RESIDENTS are being warned about a new COVID vaccine phone scam targeting vulnerable older people after residents in their 90s received calls saying they were going to receive home visits.
They are being asked to provide personal details, other than their name, to make a payment or press a number on their keypad. The NHS does not charge for the vaccine and any calls such as this should be treated as a scam.
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine free to people most at risk from coronavirus.
How the appointment system works:
·If you are registered with a GP in Warrington, you will be called by a staff member or contacted directly from your GP.
·If you live in Warrington but are registered with a practice outside the borough you will be contacted by representatives from that local authority area.
·The callers booking vaccinations will not ask for any other personal details other than asking you to confirm your name. They certainly will not ask for any money.
·The caller will identify themselves and say they are calling on behalf of your GP and they are getting in touch about booking an appointment for a Coronavirus vaccine.
·The caller will then offer dates and times for you to attend clinic. They will also give the location of the site where you will receive it. This may not be your usual surgery or at home.
·If you are receiving the Pfizer vaccination, you will also be given the time, date and location for the second dose of the vaccination. It is vital, you return and keep your second appointment 21 days later.
·Once you have received the vaccination you must not drive for 15 minutes afterwards. You will need to remain in clinic until that time has elapsed.
Cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin said: “Reports of scam phone calls targeting elderly residents waiting for a Covid-19 vaccine are extremely concerning.
“Those at risk and urgently waiting for a coronavirus vaccine are urged to remember they will not receive calls from the NHS asking them for money or to press a number on their keypad to make an appointment.
“Unfortunately, anyone who receives a call that asks them to press a key to be forwarded to make an appointment for a vaccine will likely instead receive a large charge on their phone bill. Please make your families, friends and neighbours aware and to be on their guard.”
Chief Trading Standards Officer at Warrington Borough Council, Linda Smallthwaite said: “If you’re unsure who has called you then contact your GP surgery to check. Scammers continually change their scam to suit the circumstances. It’s important we’re all aware that unscrupulous people will try to scam us out of our personal information or money. We can all help by learning more about the different types of scams to support our families, friends and neighbours.“
Take a look at the National Trading Standards – Friends Against Scams initiative.
Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report a scam or suspicious activity.
If you require advice on a scam, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
