Beware text message asking you to order PCR test for Omicron

A series of scams are spreading via SMS text messages that claim the recipient has been in close contact with someone with the Omicron COVID-19 variant and must click a link to order a PCR test immediately.

SCAM
Type of Scam: SMS Phishing Scam
Attack Type: Link to Phishing Website
Social Engineering Technique: Purchase of medical tests to avoid COVID restrictions.

Examples of the scam text message are below (though different versions may be worded differently.)

You’ve been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive. Please order a test kit:

You’ve been in close contact with a person who has Omicron. Please order a test Kit: https://swab-test-kit.com

The message is one of many scam text messages circulating that attempts to exploit the on-going COVID-19 pandemic in order to scam victims.

The message falsely claims the recipient has been in close contact with a person who has Omicron in a bid to panic or bait the recipient into clicking the link within the text message.

However the link will take the recipient to a scam spoof website that belongs to criminals. It will mimic legitimate websites such as the UK’s NHS website. (Learn how to spot spoof web addresses in our post here.)

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The site will urge the recipient to purchase a PCR test. However the site will then steal the victim’s financial details.

This can lead to the scammers accessing the recipient’s bank account, making unauthorised payments and in some cases it may lead to identity theft.

Tip: Remember, in the UK, PCR tests are free. If a text message demands you make a payment for one, it will be a scam.

As always, be extremely careful when receiving unsolicited text messages and never click on links in unexpected and suspicious emails and texts. If you need to order a PCR test, you should go to your country or state’s official health website directly.

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