SCAMMERS have been trying to trick Isle of Wight residents into paying bogus fines through text messages pretending to be from the government.

The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP) has warned Islanders not to fall for a text scam telling them that they have been spotted breaking quarantine and as a result have to pay a fine.

IWASP’s Sally Ash said: "The text states that 'you have been recorded leaving your house on three occasions and a fine of £35 has been added to your gov.uk account.'

"It then gives you a link to click on whilst kindly reiterating the message Protect the NHS - save lives.

"This makes the scam particularly believable and might encourage people to believe its validity.

"Do not click on any links in text messages."