Beware: Covid-19 vaccine scam text alert circulating
It starts with a text, seemingly from the NHS saying that they are now eligible to apply for the new vaccine and to click on the link to apply.
The link takes you to a website, which looks genuine and asks the user to complete a form asking for the following information.
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Payment card details
- Proof of address
As you can see from the above, this should automatically ring alarm bells, as we all know, the vaccine is FREE.
Please follow this advice:
- Do NOT click on links in unknown texts – always check it first
- NEVER give out your personal details.
- With the recent approval of multiple vaccines in the UK, these types of scam attempts are likely to continue as fraudsters look to take advantage of the rollout to so many people.
- Cold calls regarding the vaccine are also beginning to take place – we’ve already had reports of scammers asking people to pay for it over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, hang up.
Protect others by reporting incidents like this.
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud
by calling 0300 1232040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
‘Do not contact the NHS for a vaccination’
The coronavirus vaccine is currently being offered in some hospitals and in local vaccination centres run by GPs. People must wait for the NHS to contact them when it is their turn to have the vaccine.
“It’s important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then,” a notice states on NHS England’s website.
