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Newsletters keep you abreast of news and events from sources such as local
Police, Bromley Council, Action Fraud and the Met’s Cyber Crime Unit. Please
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COVID-19
VACCINATION SCAM ALERT
We’ve
been asked by the Met Police Cyber Crime Unit to warn you people are receiving
fraudulent calls and text messages offering a COVID-19 vaccination. In some
cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or send a text message
to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a
charge being applied to your phone bill.
In other
cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank
details.
THESE ARE
SCAMS!
The
vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is
your turn. At present, actual appointments are only being offered to members of
the public over 80 years old.
Like all
scams, the same rules apply;
- Don’t click on links or
attachments in unexpected texts, emails or messages.
- Challenge every request
for your personal details.
- It doesn’t matter what
they say or what they know about you, don’t respond to
unexpected phone calls, hang up, take five then verify the claim via a trusted method. (such as the usual website or official phone number).
The NHS
will:
- NEVER ask you to press a
button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the
vaccine.
- NEVER ask for payment for
the vaccine or for your bank details.
If you
believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft, you should report
this directly to Action Fraud either online; https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
or via
phone 0300 123 2040.
Where the
victim is vulnerable, report it to the MPS online or call 101.
Further
details of this scam can be found on the Which? Website via this
link:
https://conversation.which.co.uk/scams/scam-nhs-covid-vaccine-text-message/
Kind
regards,
Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association
Find us
on the Web at: www.bnwa.co.uk
