The COVID-19 vaccination programme has opened up new opportunities for criminals. Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing looking text messages letting people know they areeligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy
The NHS will NEVER:-
- ask for payment – the vaccine is free
- ask for your bank details
- arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
- ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents e.g your passport
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 have been the victim of fraud or identity theft, you should
report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk
If you have any information relating to vaccine fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline on 0800 587 5030 or online at covidfraudhotline.org .
