The latest scam created to extort money out of innocent victims has been spotted by police in the north.
According to accounts that have been reported to the PSNI, people who are targeted are being sent messages that claim they are a close contact of a someone infected with Covid-19.
The text message contains a link that allows people to order costly test kits which are catching people out.
Despite the fact that scams are becoming more and more difficult to spot, there is one tell-tale sign in this instance that is easily recognised - you will not be asked to pay for antigen testing kits if you are a close contact.
Not only does it mention the virus but it also specifically tells you that it is the Omicron variant, which is not mentioned in the messages from legitimate health officials.
PSNI officers have warned that those involved in test and trace will call you to confirm that you are a close contact and that testing kits are free in this case.
Issuing the warning on Facebook, officers wrote: “Please be aware of a current scam which is doing the rounds. A text message is received stating that you are a close contact of a person infected with Omicron.
“It asks you to order a test kit and provides a link to a website. Track and trace will not ask you to visit a website and will usually call you to advise you that you have been a close contact.
“Test kits are free and available in most pharmacies or by ordering them to your home from NI Direct.
“Please be wary of these types of scams as they can too often look legitimate. Always go directly to a website and don't click on any links from unknown numbers.”
