Fraudsters are targeting elderly and vulnerable people with a vaccine scam as it emerged that people are being asked by scammers for bank details or cash payments for access to vaccines that are fake or non-existent.
As Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, I have been working with the National Economic Crime Centre and Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, and law enforcement to urge people to remain vigilant and follow basic advice in relation to the NHS COVID vaccination programme, which will always be free. The NHS will never ask for payment for the vaccine or request bank details as part of an identity verification process to secure a vaccine appointment.
In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the NHS in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. At the appropriate time, people will be contacted directly by the NHS, their employer, a GP surgery or local pharmacy to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is free of charge and at no point will people be asked to pay.
I am sad to say that throughout the pandemic, we have seen fraudsters adapt their methods to take advantage of covid support schemes and exploit the fears of vulnerable people when they feel at their most anxious. This latest scam, which plays on people’s hopes for a vaccine, is one of the most callous and despicable so far, which is why we want to arm everyone with the knowledge that the NHS will never ask for cash or financial details to pay for the vaccine or verify a patient’s identity.
Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, said: “The current level of reported fraud in relation to the vaccine remains very low but is increasing. The advice is very simple. The vaccine is only available on the NHS, and you will never be asked to pay for it or to provide your bank details. Anything that suggests otherwise is a fraud.”
Security Minister, James Brokenshire said: “It’s a sad reality that scammers and fraudsters are using the pandemic to fleece innocent people out of their hard-earned cash. If you receive an email, text message or phone call claiming to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, or pay for the vaccine, this is a scam.”
The public are asked to remember that the NHS will never:
- Ask for bank account or card details;
- Ask for a PIN or banking password;
- Arrive unannounced at someone’s home to administer the vaccine;
- Demand proof of identity by sending copies of personal documents such as a passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
Where to report if you are a victim of fraud:
- 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.
