Home   News   Article

NHS Grampian issues scam reminder after Elgin woman receives spam PCR tests text


By Jonathan Clark

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

NHS Grampian has issued a reminder to residents after an Elgin woman received a scam text offering her free PCR tests.

The concerned Elgin woman contacted local MSP Richard Lochhead after receiving the message, which claimed to be from the NHS.

The text claimed that the lady had been "identified as being eligible to apply for a free PCR testing kit" and should go to a website to get it.

Moray's SNP MSP Mr Lochhead raised this with NHS Grampian, whose Director for Public Health confirmed the text was a scam.

An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: "We continue to get regular reports of various text scams.

"Our advice to the public is to remember that genuine texts on testing or self-isolation will be headed NHS Scotland Test & Protect and will provide a reference number.

"The NHS does not charge for PCR testing, LFD test kits, or vaccinations. Any message suggesting otherwise is a scam and should be deleted."

Richard Lochhead thanked the woman for raising the issue and NHS Grampian for raising awareness.

Richard Lochhead ahead of the 2021 Scottish elections...Picture: Becky Saunderson..
Richard Lochhead ahead of the 2021 Scottish elections...Picture: Becky Saunderson..

He said: “I was very concerned to hear of this scam which is evidently causing significant concern for recipients.

"I am grateful to my constituent for raising this issue and commend her vigilance.

"It’s important that awareness is raised because it would be only too easy for scammers to capitalise from the pandemic, particularly if people were to receive the text message at a time when they were expecting communication from the NHS.

"I welcome NHS Grampian’s swift commitment to raise awareness of the issue.”



Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More