NHS COVID-19 contact tracing message: how can I tell if it’s real or a scam?

Scammers are defrauding people by posing as NHS Covid-19 contact tracers and asking for money and personal details. The National Cyber Security Centre received 600,000 reports of scam emails in the first three months of the pandemic. The genuine NHS Test and Trace service contacts people for free if they have tested positive or been in contact with someone who has tested positive. People are advised to be cautious if asked for payment or personal details.