From West Mercia Police:
⚠️SCAM ALERT | Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out across the country, criminals are using this as a way to exploit elderly and vulnerable people. The scam consists of:
📱 Text messages asking people to book their vaccine through a link which then asks for personal / financial details.
📞 Phone calls are targeting vulnerable and elderly people, playing a recorded message, telling them they’ve now qualified for the vaccine.
Victims are then being asked to press a number to arrange their booking.
In both instances, victims are then asked for personal information, financial details and payment to receive the vaccine.
We would encourage everyone to be wary and to take five minutes to consider if the communication is legitimate if contacted by anyone asking for payment for the vaccine
The NHS does not charge for the vaccine and any calls, texts or emails such as this should be treated as a scam.
Anyone who has received these emails or texts should forward them directly to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk
We are urging everyone who reads this to share with older and vulnerable friends and family.
BVoices is committed in supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Please see the following:
• Community Chat for south west Birmingham • Coronavirus support
• Community Classroom – Resources for parents & carers
• Community Together • Mental Health & Wellbeing through COVID-19
• Community Kindness • Positive acts during the COVID-19 outbreak
• SW Brum Camera Club – for the love of the lens – Photography Birmingham
• SWBrum Jobs Page
• Community Recycle – Repurpose & Reuse – SW Birmingham & Surrounding
