For people like me who are as thick as two short planks, there’s a new scam doing the rounds. So-called ‘scammers’ are sending out emails and texts so that people can claim their NHS Covid pass to prove they have had the vaccine. As I was born yesterday, I simply assumed the emails and texts were real, provided the senders with all the information they wanted, together with my banking details and including passwords. I should be able to go on holiday now but unfortunately the NHS has taken all the money from my bank account. I’m sure there’s an innocent explanation. The real one is, of course, that I did no such thing.
I always feel slightly insulted when well-meaning folk point out these scams. Do they think I am so stupid that I’d fall for it, or for that matter anyone else in their Facebook friends list? Wouldn’t it be better to contact gullible people individually?
It’s the same when people point out that it’s probably not a good idea to leave a dog to boil to death in your car while you do the weekly shopping. I don’t have a dog but if I did, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t take the bugger to Sainsbury’s and then leave it in the car. If you know an idiot who is likely to do that, then give them a call. Don’t waste my time!
I suppose people warn others out of kindness. They don’t want their friends to be tricked and ripped off. Fair enough. Who am I to be cynical? Because scams wouldn’t exist if no one fell for them.
They often involve getting something for nothing. Do you want a free holiday, camper van or furniture set? Then just share it with all your friends. Unless you are familiar with like farming, you might think it’s worth a go and there’s no harm done. But there is. Scammers sell these pages with all the names on. Share a fake prize and you’re supporting the scammers.
It’s best never to reply to any of these scams. If a question appears on your social media, asking you for your favourite holiday location or some such question, do you stop to think whether people are trying to crack your passwords because many people use the same passwords for everything? I can’t say I have always thought this through properly but I do now.
Anyway, I’m off to claim my NHS Covid pass courtesy of that kind Nigerian man just as soon as I have finished dealing with that nice Indian gentleman who just called telling me there were problems with my ‘Windows’. You have to get up early to catch me out. Anyway – here’s my bank details…
