Scam & Fake Covid-19 vaccination messages

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS 

 

ALL BRANCH SECRETARIES AND NEC MEMBERS

I wanted to flag that the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has received evidence of fraudulent messages being sent to the public informing them a new dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

People are being sent a text message claiming to be from the NHS which informs the recipient that, “we have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine.” The message ends with a link to a website mocked up to look like a legitimate NHS platform. The website requests personal details, including name and address and banking details.

The CTSI has said “this is the latest in a series of scams themed around the pandemic in circulation since last March. With the UK vaccine rollout underway, scammers have modified their scam to consider this new development.”

I thought this may be of interest to you and your members and reminds us to remain vigilant. The CTSI said “The vaccine brings great hope for an end to the pandemic and lockdowns, but some only wish to create even further misery by defrauding others. The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or PIN numbers and these should serve as instant red flags. Do not provide any information to the scammers, but please also report suspicious messages to Action Fraud, or if in Scotland, Police Scotland, as this provides intelligence and assists authorities in combating scams.”

IF IN DOUBT CONTACT THE POLICE OR TRADING STANDARDS