Police warn of covid vaccination scams in Scarborough area

Police are receiving reports from around the country of people being contacted out of the blue with the offer of a coronavirus vaccination.

The targeted person will receive a text or a recorded voice message on the telephone and is then asked to click on a link in the text message or press 1 while receiving the call.

They are then asked to give personal information, as well as financial details to book their vaccination.

These are of course, scams.

Criminals are exploiting the pandemic to attempt to steal personal details and money.

Vaccines are currently being given to those most at risk of Covid-19 and will be contacted directly by the NHS.

Police say they expect there will be a rise in vaccine related phishing emails.

Phishing emails seen contain malicious files that install malware or links to bogus websites to obtain personal information.

The following advice has been issued to protect yourself from phishing emails:

Check the email addresses on incoming messages and be alert to hyperlinks that contain misspelled domain names.

Be aware of highly emotive language designed to manipulate you.

Do not supply login credentials or personal information in response to an email.

Monitor key financial accounts regularly.

Keep software and apps updated.

All scams should be reported to police via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.