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Press Release

7 January 2021

COVID Vaccine Scam Warning

Fareham Borough Council is warning its residents to be on their guard against scam text messages offering a COVID-19 vaccine in an attempt to steal personal and financial information.

The fraudsters operate by contacting residents through ‘phishing’ text messages or emails. Phishing is a method used by scammers in an attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames and financial details. They disguise themselves to look like they have come from a legitimate organisation such as the NHS.

There have been incidents reported across the country of text messages being sent to residents asking for them to register for their COVID-19 vaccine. The text links to an extremely convincing fake NHS website where people are asked to input their bank details to register for a vaccine. The scam message reads: ‘we have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine' and then prompts you to click on a link for further information or to 'apply' for the vaccine."

If you receive any text message that asks you to click on a link and provide personal information, it is a scam. The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and the NHS will never ask you to send a text to confirm you want the vaccine and will never ask for payment or for your bank details.

Executive Member for Health and Public Protection at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Trevor Cartwright MBE said: “This type of exploitation is specifically designed to target the most vulnerable in our community and prey on their fears during an already stressful time. Therefore I urge all residents to be vigilant and to inform family and friends who may not have access to online information to ensure everyone in the Borough is safe.”

If you think you have personally been a victim of fraud then this should be reported to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk

ENDS

ENDS