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Covid Pass - Scam Text?

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DerekC

DerekC

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I have just received the following text:

We have noticed that you're eligible to apply for your NHS COVID pass. Failure to apply will result in a fine. Get your pass at https:// nhsregistry-pass .com
Click to expand...

To me that's obviously a scam because there ain't no such fine, but what worries me is that it appears to come from NHS-NoReply and appears directly below a text from my local GP about vaccination clinics. It may look pretty convicing to some. How is that possible, has anybody else had one and how do I report it? I can't find an NHS spam reporting link.
 
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Termy

Termy

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SMS is am extremely insecure, legacy system and it's surprisingly easy to spoof sender number and details. As a (soon to be former) cyber security specialist, I absolutely hate SMS.

The domain/URL is fake and very definitely a scam, you're right. As for reporting it, I'm pretty sure there is someone to report it to, but I can't remember the organisation name right now.
 
Mcr Warrior

Mcr Warrior

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You can report the scam SMS text message by on-sending it to 7726. This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.

See also the following...

www.gov.uk

Avoid and report internet scams and phishing

Find out how internet scams work and what to be aware of - misleading websites, report website fraud, suspicious communication and phishing
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
 
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greyman42

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What will the purpose of the scam text be; to get you to open up the link?
 
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plugwash

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I'm not going to open the site but I see a couple of possible angles.

One could be to try and exploit security flaws in the device's browser, sadly security updates on phones/tablets can be rather hit and miss.

Another could be to charge someone a fee for "helping" them apply for something that should be free.
 
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island

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greyman42 said:
What will the purpose of the scam text be; to get you to open up the link?
Click to expand...
The goal is to get people to give up personal data and potentially payment details in return for nothing, or for something that might otherwise have been free of charge.

Those who demonstrate their gullibility by filling out their details may then be targeted by further scams such.
 
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