Scammers are targeting vulnerable people who are waiting for the coronavirus vaccine.
The fraudsters are contacting those due to receive the jab, saying they are from the government and looking to arrange an appointment.
They ask them for personal information – such as bank details – to confirm an appointment before hanging up.
In reality, only medical professionals will call someone about a vaccination appointment.
Dee and Glenkens councillor Pauline Drysdale said: “People are so vulnerable at the moment and it is terrible this is happening, it is being used to get credit and debit card details and all sorts of things.
“It will only be the NHS or a doctor that will call to arrange an appointment.
“The advice is to make an excuse such as a carer or shopping has just arrived, ask for their number and say you’ll call them back.
“If they hang up or don’t give you their number it’s definitely a scam.”
Police Scotland said they are aware of a number of scams connected to the vaccine and are urging people to be on their guard.
Chief Inspector Anton Stephenson, from the Safer Communities Division, said: “We are aware of a scam involving a text message suggesting that people are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine. If you are concerned you have provided personal or financial information via a link in a message of this sort, contact Police Scotland via 101.
“We will pursue anyone who sets out to cause harm and misery to our communities and our officers work closely with partners to make Scotland a hostile environment for scammers.
“Be aware an unsolicited telephone call, email or text message may not be from the person or organisation it appears to be from. Never click on a link in a message you’re not expecting and remember the NHS will never ask you for money relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
