Action Fraud have received over 1,000 reports nationally of a new phishing email scam sent on Monday 25th January.
It looks convincingly to be sent from the NHS but asks the recipient to click a link to confirm their coronavirus vaccination invitation, which then asks for personal information and bank details.
Head of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, is warning the public to remain vigilant as fraudsters continue to act:
“It’s despicable that fraudsters will take advantage of such an important tool in the fight against this evil and deadly disease. Not only are the people being targeted with this email at risk of losing money, or having their identity stolen, but they are also at risk of not receiving the real vaccine.
“The public have been fantastic at reporting these scams to us and raising awareness in their local community as well. But unfortunately, as this latest phishing campaign shows, we still have to remain cautious and alert. Remember: anything purporting to be from the NHS asking you to pay for the vaccine, or provide your bank account or card details, is a scam.”
You will be contacted by the NHS when you’re invited to receive the vaccine which is being offered in hospitals, pharmacies and hundreds of local vaccination centres run by GPs. Please do remember you will not be asked to pay for the vaccine and at no point will you be asked for payment details.
Report any suspicious emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk or text messages to 7726 free of charge.
For any suspicious phone calls, hang up immediately.
How to protect yourself
In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.
The NHS will never:
- ask you for your bank account or card details.
- ask you for your PIN or banking password.
- arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
- 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.
