Fraudsters target Lancashire residents with Covid vaccine scam

Scammers are targeting residents with fake offers of the coronavirus vaccine, the NHS has warned.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

As NHS professionals start to visit housebound patients over the age of 80 to deliver the Covid-19 vaccine, residents are being urged to protect themselves from fraudulent activity.

People across the country have reported being targeted by suspicious emails, calls and text messages offering the vaccine, prompting the NHS to warn residents not to hand over any financial information.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

DI Warren Atkinson, of the Lancashire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit, said: "Thankfully, the number of these reports are relatively low, but we have seen an increase in the last two months, particularly around scam text messages.

"Please be aware that the vaccine is only available from the NHS and, most importantly, 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."

Here are some key points:

- The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details

Scammers are targeting residents with fake offers of the coronavirus vaccine.Scammers are targeting residents with fake offers of the coronavirus vaccine.
Scammers are targeting residents with fake offers of the coronavirus vaccine.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

- The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password

- The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine

- The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips

- Anyone from the NHS visiting your home will have an NHS ID card - please ask to see it

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jane Scattergood, Covid-19 Vaccination Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: "Being able to start offering Covid-19 vaccinations to housebound residents helps us to protect more of the most vulnerable members of our local communities.

"GP teams will be in touch to arrange appointments in advance, so people will always know the date and time when a healthcare professional will visit them to deliver their vaccination at home.

"NHS teams visiting your home will always have ID and they will never ask for payment or request your bank details."

The vaccine roll-out, which began last month, is being delivered by GP-led primary care networks (PCNs) across the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The patients who were identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine have been contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.

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 [email protected].

Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Where the victim is vulnerable, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house, report it to police by calling 101.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.READ MORE: Heavy rain and snow set to hit Lancashire as Met Offices issues another weather warning