Trading Standard warn Milton Keynes residents over Covid-19 vaccine scam

The fake texts informing the elderly and vulnerable that they're eligible to be jabbed, takes the person to a fake NHS website where they are asked to provide banking details.

The scammers pretend to be the NHS on the text and ask you to click a link for more information on how to 'apply' for your vaccine. The website which contains the NHS logo then asks for banking details, card information and a personal address.

Cold calls targeting the elderly ask for payment over the phone and inform the person they can receive the COVID-19 vaccine from home. From there, Bucks residents will be asked to confirm their address and financial details on the call.

Alongside text messages, voice recorded messages asking would-be vaccine recipients to key in one on their phone and then enter banking details over the phone have also been reported.

Fred Wilson, Buckinghamshire Council member for Regulatory Services, said: "I am very disappointed that at a time when many people are seeing the vaccine as hope for the future, scammers are trying to cash in.

"It’s important to remember the vaccine is free and the NHS will never require you to hand over financial details in exchange for it."

The vaccine is free and can only be received in Britain from the NHS who will contact an individual when it's their turn to receive a dose. The NHS contact you directly and are currently jabbing those aged over 80, working in the NHS or care homes only.

The NHS will never ask for your bank details prior to organising your coronavirus vaccine. The NHS won't ask you to confirm your booking on a keypad or send you a text asking for confirmation that you want the vaccine.

Here is the current government information on how the coronavirus is being rolled out in Buckinghamshire. Which includes who is being vaccinated, where the active vaccination sites are in Bucks and how many residents have received the vaccine so far,

Trading standards general advice regarding all cold calls is: don't allow them access to your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and be sceptical, stay calm and don't be afraid to hang up.

Report all scams to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or if a person feels threatening phone 999.

To deter visits from cold callers, residents can display a no cold calling sticker by their front doors. To obtain a Stop Cold Calling Sticker Pack or to report an incident please contact Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.