As we continue with the largest vaccination programme the country has ever seen, sadly there are also criminals seeking to take advantage of the situation.
These disgusting criminals are sending realistic looking text messages and emails informing their victims that they are eligible for the vaccine, or they are phoning people pretending to be from their GP or pharmacy.
The most common scams are:
➡️ being asked to press a number on your keypad or send a message to a specific number to confirm you wish to receive the vaccine - this will likely result in a large charge to your phone bill, which will go straight to the criminals.
➡️ receiving a phone call offering you the vaccine for a fee, or asking for bank details.
➡️ receiving a fake website address via email or text that links you to a realistic looking form which then asks for your bank details.
➡️ you may even get a stranger at your door purporting to be from the NHS and offering to administer the vaccine in exchange for cash.
The NHS will:
⚠️ NEVER ask for payment - the vaccine is FREE
⚠️ NEVER ask for your bank details
⚠️ NEVER arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
⚠️ NEVER ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport
Please remain vigilant, and please spread the message to friends and family. If you think you may have handed over your card details to scammers, let your bank know what’s happened immediately.