NHS Covid Passes will become mandatory in Wales from Monday and scammers are already looking to take advantage.

The Welsh Government has made it mandatory for people attending nightclubs and large events to show an NHS Covid Pass and prove they had been vaccinated or recently tested negative for the virus.

The law was passed in the Senedd on Tuesday following a vote, with 28 members voting in favour and 27 members voting against.

But criminals are using the NHS Covid Pass as a way to target the public and convince them to hand over money.

Action Fraud has warned that scammers are sending texts, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS.

While The National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre has warned they are also offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media.

The Welsh Government is also warning people that the NHS is not sending out invitations for Covid passes.

The NHS Covid pass is free and can be used to prove that you’re vaccinated against coronavirus before attending events or when travelling abroad.

What to do if you receive a call about your NHS Covid Pass

  • Be alert to links and attachments in unexpected text messages or emails
  • Do not respond to requests for money, passwords or financial details
  • Challenge: Could it be fake?
  • Use the official NHS COVID Pass website 

What to do if you are a victim of an NHS Covid Pass scam

  • If you receive a call and suspect it to be fraudulent, hang up.
  • If you are suspicious about an email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.
  • If you are suspicious about a text message, forward it to the number 7726, which is free-of-charge.
  • If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.
  • If you have any information relating to NHS COVID Pass or vaccine certificate fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers online at covidfraudhotline.org or phone on 0800 587 5030.

How do I get an NHS Covid Pass in Wales?

You can access the NHS Covid Pass via the NHS website.

This will allow you to produce a Covid pass using your smart phone, tablet, computer of laptop.

To access it you will first need to register for an NHS login.

In order to do so you must upload a photo of your ID, be it passport, UK driving licence or European driving licence.

Once you are registered you can download your NHS Covid Pass which includes a barcode and expires after 30 days.

Where and when will I need an NHS Covid Pass in Wales?

The requirement to show an NHS Covid Pass will come into force from October 11.

All over-18s will need to have a NHS Covid Pass to enter:

  • Nightclubs.
  • Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions.
  • Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people.
  • Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.