Milton Keynes residents warned after pensioner is offered instant Covid vaccine by stranger in the street

Fraudulent texts claiming to be from the NHS are being sent, asking recipients to sign up for a Covid jab by clicking on a link.

The link asks for their personal and financial details and, in some cases, looks very much like the official NHS website.

Meanwhile a pensioner in neighbouring town was stopped in the street by a stranger who offered a Covid jab there and then.

The fraudster claimed to have all of the necessary equipment and could do it immediately.

The incident happened in the Wootton area of Northampton over the weekend. The pensioner declined the offer and reported it to police.

Experts at Action Fraud are now warning the public to be wary of any random Covid vaccine offers.

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: “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.”

She said people will contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy to receive their vaccination.

The NHS will never ask for bank account or card details, PIN or banking passwords, arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine, or ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills

"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 [email protected]. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge," said Pauline.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, report to it Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.