Coronavirus: Warning over COVID-19 vaccination scam email
Shropshire Council is encouraging residents to be aware of the latest COVID-19 scam email.
This advice comes after multiple reports from the public who have received a scam email offering them a dose of one of the new vaccines.
The scam email entitled ‘This is a public health message from NHS’. This email claims that the recipient has been selected for a coronavirus vaccination based upon their family genetics and medical history. The emails contain a link that will take you to a website that asks for financial details to pay for the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge, and the NHS will only invite you for your vaccination with a letter. People should not contact their GP about a vaccination unless asked to do so, and should not attend any vaccination site without an appointment.
NHS teams, supported by the council, have been working hard over the last month to deliver the vaccine in our hospital hubs, local GP-led services and care homes, at the same time as providing care to all those who need it and the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place planning and regulatory services, said:
“Fraudsters are constantly looking for with new ways to take advantage of people during the pandemic. These type of scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated so please be vigilant. If in doubt, check with a friend or a family member.
“No-one is immune to scams and we are encouraging everyone to be on their guard. The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and the NHS will never ask for your bank details.”
Residents are reminded that the NHS will never ask you for your bank details, passwords, or PIN number. If you receive a suspicious text, trading standards advises that you delete and report it. You can find more information from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
If you have any concerns about trading practices relating to COVID-19 or any other issue you should report these to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.