Royal Arsenal Medical CentreA warning about a Covid vaccine scam has been issued by Action Fraud.
Fake NHS texts have been reported to police, and Action Fraud warns that links in texts from unknown numbers should never be opened.
There have been instances where these have taken users through to a page looking like an NHS website, which asks for personal details.
There have also been instances of cold calls where scammers ask for payment for a Covid-19 vaccination, which is only provided free by the NHS, over the phone.
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: “The vaccine is a crucial tool in fighting the coronavirus and keeping people safe.
Thankfully, the number of reports into Action Fraud are relatively low but we have seen an increase in the last two months, particularly around scam text messages.
“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine.
“If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”
Action Fraud has received reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for the vaccine.
The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.
Anyone affected by this fraud should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.