Be alert to vaccine fraud

Rugby Liberal Democrat Councillors have received information from Warwickshire Police that criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking people to hand over cash or financial details.

They are sending convincing looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy.

Residents should be alert to these scams.

The NHS will:

• NEVER ask for payment - the vaccine is free.
• NEVER ask for your bank details.
• NEVER arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
• NEVER ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport.

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