It is unfortunate that a cohort of particularly callous criminals continues to try and take advantage as the vaccination programme accelerates. Please take a few moments to read this post and take careful note:
The vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay, or be asked for your bank account or card details, or your PIN. The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine, or ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
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
There have been a few reports this week of people receiving scam emails from addresses which initially look plausable, such as NHS Notifications, noreply@nhs.gov.uk and NHS e-Referral Service. Any such emails are best ignored and forwarded as above, or use the advice on the website link above for actionfraud.
Stay safe – from the crooks as well as the virus!