Merton Council is urging residents to be on the lookout for scam text messages relating to the COVID-19 Test and Trace service.  

In a text message seen by the council, the recipient was told they had been in contact with someone with Omicron and should purchase a PCR test. They were then directed to a website to submit their bank details.  

The Test and Trace service has ended in England, so contact from officials is no longer taking place.  Although COVID-19 tests are no longer free, no one should receive unsolicited messages telling them they need to pay for a test.  

Do not click on any links in text messages or emails as this can allow scammers to download malware onto your device and access your personal data. Likewise you should never give out your bank details. If you have provided your bank details, you should contact the bank immediately. 

Ofcom has further information about how to identify a scam call or message and how to manage it.   

If you have received a text message or call about this, or anything else you think might be a scam, advice can be sought from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. They can be contacted on 0808 223 1133 (Mon – Fri, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm) or via their website.