With the UK vaccination programme in full swing, the most recent wave of scams has focused on fraudulent offers of vaccinations, attempting to persuade recipients that they can ‘jump the queue’.

The scams, which are perpetrated via email, text or telephone call, either request payment for a vaccination, or link to authentic looking but fake websites which harvest your confidential information. Those who fall for such scams fall victim to financial fraud, identity theft or both.

Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccination Scams – Top Tips:

Remember that COVID-19 vaccines in the UK are available only via the NHS of England, Wales and Scotland, or from Health & Social Care Northern Ireland.

Remember that the NHS will never:

• Charge you for a COVID-19 vaccination
• Ask you for your bank account or card details
• Ask you for your PIN or banking password or memorable details
• Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• Ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as passport, driving licence, bills or payslips.
• If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.