People are being warned about fake coronavirus vaccine texts that appear to have been sent by the NHS.
Authorities are trying to make people aware of the scam messages that have been circulating in the North East.
The texts advise residents they are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine and then link readers to a false NHS website where they are asked to provide personal details.
Among the things they ask for are a person's address, a payment card and a proof of address.
However health bosses are urging people not to fall for the scam and are reminding residents that the NHS would never ask for bank information.
A spokesperson for the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: "Please be aware of fake NHS texts circulating at the moment, advising people they are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
"The text links to a false NHS website that asks for various personal details. The NHS will never ask for your bank details."
North Tyneside Council has also shared the warning on its social media channels.
A spokesperson said: "Don't let scammers make this whole situation any worse."
The warning comes as the Moderna vaccine becomes the latest coronavirus jab to be authorised for use in the UK.
It is the third vaccine to be approved in the country, joining those made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
The Government has also agreed to purchase an additional 10 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on top of its previous order of seven million, taking the total to 17 million. However, supplies are not expected to be delivered until the spring.
The Moderna vaccine was about 94% effective at preventing illness in clinical trials, which found no serious safety issues.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "This is further great news and another weapon in our arsenal to tame this awful disease.
"We have already vaccinated nearly 1.5 million people across the UK and Moderna’s vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring.
"While we immunise those most at risk from Covid, I urge everyone to continue following the rules to keep cases low to protect our loved ones."
