It is very worrying to hear that scammers are taking advantage of vulnerable people. But by raising awareness of what a scam looks like we can protect people and learn to recognise a genuine call or text message offering the COVID-19 vaccination.
To protect yourself and your family members from fraud and criminals, remember the following points:
The vaccine is only available via NHS, the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. Anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.
The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank details.
At the moment there are no house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine. Anyone offering this now is committing a crime.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.