RESIDENTS are being warned of a scam which poses as the NHS track and trace service.

And now council bosses are urging people across the county to be “extra vigilant” of the fraud.

The original app has been launched by the NHS to help trace people that have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus.

But a phone call has been doing the rounds, claiming to be from the NHS Test and Trace Service informing the householder that they have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive for coronavirus.

The person is then informed that they need to self-isolate and take a test.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Mans, said: “Many of us are relying more on technology to communicate and interact with friends, family and colleagues during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Fraudsters know this, and they are turning to online scams to prey on those who may be unaware and vulnerable.”

The caller refuses to disclose who the householder has been in contact with but asks them to confirm their address so a testing kit can be sent to them.

The caller then asks for payment card details to cover cost of the testing kit.

The NHS Test and Trace service is free and will not ask for bank details or payments.

For further advice or to report an issue to Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service please phone our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133.