More than 1,000 reports have been made to Thames Valley Police over a 24-hour period after a fake email regarding the Covid-19 vaccine was sent out.
The email, which makes out it has been sent by the NHS, tries and tricks the recipient in handing over bank details, after those who receive the message are asked to click on a link to accept or decline an invitation to have the coronavirus vaccine.
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If the recipient clicks accept, they are asked to put in personal information and their bank card details.
The national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime has previously warned about coronavirus vaccine scams, with many people reporting receiving fake text messages purporting to be from the NHS.
Head of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, said: “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.
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“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.
“Remember, the vaccine is free of charge.
“At no point will you be asked to pay.”
Following the news, Thames Valley Police has issued a list of reminders of what the NHS will never do its patients.
This includes:
• 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 payslips.
Thames Valley Police said: “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.
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“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.”
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