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Police issue warning to Preston and Lancashire residents about Covid-19 vaccine scam text and emails

Posted on - 8th January, 2021 - 8:58pm | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Fylde News, Health, Preston News, Ribble Valley News, South Ribble News, Wyre News
Examples of the kind of scam texts and emails being sent Pic: Lancs Police Fraud and Cyber
Examples of the kind of scam texts and emails being sent Pic: Lancs Police Fraud and Cyber

Preston and South Ribble residents are being warned about scams relating to the Covid-19 vaccine.

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Lancashire Police’s fraud and cyber crime unit has issued a warning about scam texts and emails.

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Phishing attempts by con artists include text messages and emails claiming you’ve been identified to receive the Covid vaccine.

Many feature NHS branding and logos or pretend to come from official email addresses.

The police’s fraud and cyber unit said: “With the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine now a national priority, phishing and vishing scams are inevitable.

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“The vaccine is free and the NHS will never ask you to pay for the vaccine by entering long card numbers or bank details.”

See where the Covid-19 vaccine is being rolled out near you

Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, say they’ve already received 57 reports in relation to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Head of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, said: “The vaccine is a crucial tool in fighting the coronavirus and keeping people safe. Thankfully, the number of reports into Action Fraud are relatively low but we have seen an increase in the last two months, particularly around scam text messages.

“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.”

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Read more: Preston and South Ribble’s latest coronavirus infection rates as UK reaches grim Covid deaths milestone

Anyone can report a potential scam to report@phishing.gov.uk and send suspicious text messages to 7726 which is free to send to.

Anyone who believes they are the victim of fraud can report this to Action Fraud by calling 03001232040 or visiting the Action Fraud website.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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