Warning over fraudsters using Covid vaccine scam to steal bank details
Fraudsters have been targeting people across the region using the country's "most valuable tool" in beating coronavirus to scam residents for their bank details.
A fake email, claiming to be from the NHS, has been sent out with a link for people to click and accept or decline an invite for a Covid vaccination.
Residents have been warned to report the email to the police and Action Fraud as it will ask for bank details.
The sender of the email has created a name which makes it look official, such as noreply@nhs.gov.uk, but the actual email address is not linked to the NHS.
Across the country, the scam was reported more than 1,000 times to Action Fraud in 24 hours.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said he was "outraged" and had received the scams personally too.
He said: “Ensuring that everybody receives a Covid-19 vaccine is a priority, and I am outraged that fraudsters are taking advantage of our most valuable tool in beating the virus.
"There are a number of false emails going around and false messages – I have received several myself – some are saying you've had a parcel that has not been able to be delivered.
"We've also got invitations to vaccinations that are false, although they bear the NHS emblem.
"I would say to people: be very careful.
“This is shameful behaviour and I urge anyone who receives a suspicious email should report it to West Midlands Police and Action Fraud.
“Furthermore, I would urge anyone with vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours to make them aware and keep a close contact with them so they do not fall victim to this scam.
“The NHS will never ask for any payment or bank details for your vaccine. If you do receive this email please report it to the police.
"Many of them can be spotted by the fact that they don't use your name, they use your email address to talk to you. Some have spelling mistakes, but not all of them.
"The police, of course, will take action where they can and where it is appropriate against people who are committing these sort of crimes."
Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North, has raised the issue with the minister responsible after a friend of his received the scam.
"I have reported this to the minister responsible and they are onto it. The depths of depravity people go to is astonishing," he added.
"A friend of mine has just sent me this image of an email he received. It looks very plausible but it is a scam. If you do click on the link it will ask you for bank details. Please do not click on the link or respond to any information request if you do."
The NHS would never ask people to pay for the vaccine, local health bosses said.
Sally Roberts, chief nurse for the Black Country and West Birmingham: “It is a real shame that people are using the hope that the vaccine offers to scam local people. The NHS will never ask you to pay for the vaccine and we will never just turn up at your house unannounced. Please wait to be contacted by a local GP or via a letter from the NHS booking service.”
Victoria Wilson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said there has been an increase in the number of text and email scams involving Covid in the last 12 months.
She said: “This particular scam along with a similar text scam does appear genuine but please don’t fall for it. If in doubt, check with a friend or a family member, and remember that the NHS will never ask you for your bank details. Please look out for elderly relatives and neighbours too, who could also be exposed to this kind of scam.”
