Trading Standards warns of coronavirus vaccination scam

Most recently reports have been received of elderly residents receiving a call to advise that their vaccination would be carried out at their home, and that the caller required their name, address and also financial details to pay for the vaccine.   Other reports relate to approaches made by text and from a recorded voice message on the telephone. In each case the recipient is required to respond by clicking a link in the text message or by pressing 1 when receiving the call. They are then asked to give personal information, as well as financial details to book their vaccination.

THESE ARE SCAMS

Criminals are exploiting the current situation to attempt to steal personal details and your money.   The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. These people will be contacted by the NHS.

NO PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THE VACCINE

There has been a surge worldwide of vaccine related phishing email scams. Phishing emails seen have contained malicious files that installed malware, or links to bogus websites to obtain the victim’s information.

Protect yourself from vaccine-themed phishing campaigns by checking the email addresses on incoming messages and be alert to hyperlinks that contain misspelled domain names; be aware of highly emotive language designed to manipulate you; do not supply login credentials or personal information in response to an email; monitor key financial accounts regularly; and keep software and apps updated.

Report all scams to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.