## Covid-19: Sms / Text Message Scams Top 4 Sms Scams

Fake URL links claiming Lockdown fines Offers of health Financial support offers to link to GOV.UK 
suggesting you have supplements that that appear to be from website to claim breached lockdown will prevent you your bank supposed COVID-19 
becoming infected related payment 

## How Do Sms Scams Work How To Verify The Message? Few Simple Tips To Check The Url:

1
Challenge - Could it be fake? It's ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests that don't feel right. Check 
GOV.UK to ensure it's genuine. 
2
Cyber criminals are preying on fears of the coronavirus and sending 'phishing' text messages that try and trick users into clicking on a bad link. Messages are short and simple and often claim to be from a known entity. Web links are harder to spot on a SMS as they are shortened so apply caution clicking on links!

Be wary of text messages that try to get you to send money, or important personal information such as bank details or passwords. 

## Sender Of Uk Government Sms:

Genuine text messages from the UK 
Government will only come from **UK_Gov** 

3
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with information to keep you safe or your money. 
You will only ever be directed to GOV.UK/coronavirus. 

4
Use official government websites and refer to 'Contact Us' sections of websites to access information and services.

## Genuine Uk Government Sms Examples Of Scams Recommended Step-By-Step Actions To Take

 Don't Respond Report the SMS Scam to Action Fraud Forward the message to 7726 ('SPAM' on a keypad)

## Further Guidance And Support

Public Sector Organisations: The Cabinet Office has formed a COVID-19 Fraud Response Team to assist the government with its counter fraud response. Requests for assistance should be emailed to: **covid19-counter-fraud@cabinetoffice.gov.uk** Public: Please report to Action Fraud