Warning issued as residents are targeted by Covid vaccination scam text

An example of the scam text being sent about Covid-19 vaccinations

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership (GMHSCP) have warned that older residents are being targeted by Covid-19 scams.

Including a new text con shown above, scams targeting older people around the Covid-19 vaccination are now in circulation, reported by residents in Greater Manchester who are receiving suspicious calls and text messages offering the virus vaccination.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust reported that patients in their 90s have received phone calls to say they’ll be having their Covid-19 vaccinations at home, and they will be coming to the patient's address on certain times/dates to do this.

In partnership with GMP, GMHSCP want to reiterate that no one will be contacted to have their vaccine at home.

To protect yourself and your family members from fraud and criminals, residents are being urged to remember the following points:

• The vaccine is only available on the NHS for free to people in priority groups, and 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.
• House calls are not being made 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, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house, report it to the police online or by calling 101.