Warning over sophisticated covid vaccine scams in Sunderland

Patients awaiting their Covid-19 vaccines have been warned not to “fall into the trap” of potential scams.
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The vaccine roll-out in Sunderland started in late 2020 and is currently offering jabs to the four top priority groups.

However, recent reports have highlighted the actions of scammers looking to exploit the pandemic for financial gain.

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This includes scam messages containing a link to a fake ‘NHS’ website requesting financial details.

A dose of the vaccine ready to be administered in SunderlandA dose of the vaccine ready to be administered in Sunderland
A dose of the vaccine ready to be administered in Sunderland

At a council meeting this week, residents were warned to stay vigilant over suspicious text messages and emails.

“We’ve been made aware of a number of scams going around,” said Cllr Neil MacKnight, who also works in the NHS.

“They’re usually by text message or by email and when you click on it it takes you to a webpage which looks like an NHS page, it’s quite well designed and has got the NHS logo and colour schemes on it.

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“Basically it’s a scam. You click on it and they’re asking you to prove your identity with documents and provide [financial] details.

“It’s just to say that the NHS, we will never ever do that, it’s free at the point of use.

“The NHS will contact you when the time for your vaccination comes and they won’t hurry you to make the appointment – because these scams are saying you have got a short time.

“Don’t fall into the trap, you won’t be rushed into it, you won’t be asked for payment details.

“As soon as you see that, it’s a scam. Ignore it.”

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Cllr MacKnight was speaking at a Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee on February 3, which was held via videolink and broadcast on YouTube.

There is concern that online fraud has risen during lockdowns, as people have spent more time at home and online.

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott alerted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the issue of scams linked to the Covid-19 vaccination programme in January.

This included a report of a “very plausible fake ‘NHS’ website” asking people to submit their financial information in order to get the vaccine.

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The PM said he was aware there was a problem with online scams and added work was ongoing, led by the Cabinet Office, to “beat these fraudsters” and “root them out”.

For more information on Covid-19 vaccine scams, visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk/vaccine

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