[jezza]

Hello  I've just had a text  supposedly from  NHS England  advising to download the app  I clicked in the link  for Google store it came on then asked for my email password ,activation pin and a bank password  is this a scam site    jezza

[mumofstig]

I'd say yes  Why would they need your bank details?

https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2020/05/phishing-scam-detected-hooked-into-nhs-coronavirus-contact-tracing-app/

Some members of the public have received SMS messages informing them that they may have been exposed to infection. The text reads: “Someone who came in contact with you tested positive or has shown symptoms for Covid-19 & recommends you self-isolate/get tested.”

The message then includes a URL for a website which demands personal details from the user; these could be used to gain access to bank accounts or commit other forms of identity fraud..... These texts are a way to steal personal data and may put the bank accounts of recipients at risk. If anyone receives texts or other kinds of messages like this, they should not click on any accompanying links

[Yorkie]

I agree; it's got all the hallmarks of a scam.

I have downloaded the app but I did it through the Google Play store rather than from clicking on a link.  (The Apple store has it too).  I also daily report through the Zoe symptom tracker, which is the one run by Professor Tim someone and a couple of Universities - it takes literally a few seconds every day.

[Aunt Sally]

I also daily report through the Zoe symptom tracker, which is the one run by Professor Tim someone and a couple of Universities - it takes literally a few seconds every day.

Link in our news banner

https://covid.joinzoe.com/

[mrs bouquet]

I am not sure that I can get this app, as I do not have a mobile phone.    Mrs Bouquet

[Yorkie]

Ah that would probably be right, Mrs B 

[Mr Dog]

The only info the official app asks for is the first part of your postcode ie area where you live.
Based on that it will give an indication of the current risk in your area. One useful thing the app could have done would be to indicate the risk of the area you are currently in, particularly as the 'location finder' function needs to be on for full functionality.

[Fairy Plotmother]

Hello  I've just had a text  supposedly from  NHS England  advising to download the app  I clicked in the link  for Google store it came on then asked for my email password ,activation pin and a bank password  is this a scam site    jezza

Yes this is one of the scams going about. Get the app directly from your app store. No money or personal info (first part of postcode only) is required.

[GraciesGran]

Mrs B, my ancient pay as you go wouldn't cope either.  It does phone calls and text, more than enough as far as I am concerned.

[jezza]

Hello I've just been onto  what's supposed to be the official Covid 19 app  its asking for blue tooth to be turned on for location ,checking ,bluetooth is to expensive to use it saps data and battery power why cant the government make things easy a simpler site would be better   jezza

[Yorkie]

Whilst yes, it may use battery up, bluetooth does not use data.  It works using short-range radio waves, not an internet connection.  This means it works anywhere you have two compatible devices - you don't need any sort of data plan, or even a mobile phone connection.

[jezza]

Hello I've just put bluetooth on it says turn on Wifi or mobile data to access, I've turned on mobile data its saying charges may occur using blue tooth on this device, I must have a different system to other folk  jezza

[mumofstig]

It says

charges may occur

why don't you try it for a day, and see how much/if anything it charges?

[JayG]

Hello I've just put bluetooth on it says turn on Wifi or mobile data to access, I've turned on mobile data its saying charges may occur using blue tooth on this device, I must have a different system to other folk  jezza

Don't know why you'd need either Wifi or mobile data to use Bluetooth - try turning mobile data off to be on the safe side and see if the app works.

(If your phone is an Android, you will need location services on too, although the app doesn't actually use the GPS system when running.)

[Mr Dog]

Hello I've just put bluetooth on it says turn on Wifi or mobile data to access, I've turned on mobile data its saying charges may occur using blue tooth on this device, I must have a different system to other folk  jezza

I'm intrigued to know what model of phone you have?