Cruel scammers are sending out fake coronavirus vaccination invitations in a bid to con Scots out of money.
NHS Scotland’s Counter Fraud Services has seen a spike in alerts to the fraudulent emails as the vaccination rollout continues across Scotland.
The scam email includes a link to register for the vaccine before asking for bank details to either verify the person’s ID or to make a payment.
Scots are then told that they must reply to the invitation within 12 hours of receiving the notification.
No registration is required for the real coronavirus vaccination being administered by the NHS.
Gordon Young, Head of Counter Fraud Services, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS Scotland has been under increasing pressure and this includes the NHS and its staff being the target of new frauds.
“These frauds are also aimed at members of the public. It is totally unacceptable that at a time of a national health crisis, unscrupulous individuals would attempt to take advantage of the health service and the public.”
The NHS has urged Scots to be vigilant of any scams associated with the coronavirus vaccine and the pandemic.
Is has listed a number of things that NHS Scotland will never ask for. This includes:
- Ask for, or accept, cash for vaccines
- Ask for your banking details or identity documents
- Email you to arrange your COVID-19 vaccination
- Turn up at your residence unannounced
