Coronavirus Scams

BEWARE
We have been made aware of several scams that are doing the rounds. Please make elderly neighbours, and family members aware of these.  In this period of worry and isolation when our elderly family and friends may well be more vulnerable and therefore not as vigilant as usual it is important to let them know of these scams and ask them to proceed cautiously or to talk it through with someone else before clicking on links or purchasing from an unknown company.
As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: 
“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”

How to protect yourself:
In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.

The NHS will never:
  • ask for your bank account or card details
  • ask for your PIN or banking passwords
  • arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
  • ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded 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 calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

 *Please forward this email to any friends, family members, or colleagues that may find this information useful*
Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Further information can be obtained from the Actionfraud.police.uk website;
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-related-fraud-reports