With the coronavirus vaccine roll-out, scammers have found yet another way to use the general public’s fears and concerns during the current circumstances against them by gaining access to their personal information through phishing texts. This latest scam has come to light over the past few days and involves fraudsters operating through phishing texts or emails to obtain sensitive information.

People have reported receiving text messages that ask them to register for the vaccine by clicking on a link that takes the user to a fake NHS website. The scam message reads: ‘We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine'. Once you are taken to the very convincing fake website, you are asked to put in your bank details as a part of the registration process.

Fareham Borough Council has issued a warning to its residents to be on guard against such scams, reminding them not to give away sensitive information.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and the NHS does not ask for any personal financial details at any point throughout the vaccine process. Executive Member for Health and Public Protection at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Trevor Cartwright MBE, is absolutely correct in stating that this type of exploitation is specifically designed to target the most vulnerable in our community and prey on their fears during an already stressful time. All residents are urged to be vigilant and inform any family and friends who may not have access to online information and find themselves vulnerable to such scams.

If you have received any message you suspect may be a scam, or know anyone who has, I urge you to immediately report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.