Bucks Trading Standards issues warning over coronavirus scam
People all over the country have been receiving calls and texts
Last updated 21st Dec 2020
As the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine continues we're being warned of scammers trying to take advantage in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards say there have been reports across the country of people being contacted out of the blue and being offered the jab.
The approaches have been made by text and from a recorded voice message on the telephone. In each case the recipient is required to respond by clicking a link in the text message or by pressing one when receiving the call.
They are then asked to give personal information, as well as financial details to book their vaccination.
This is known as a phishing scam.
In a post on Facebook Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards said:
"The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. These people will be contacted by the NHS.
"There has been a surge worldwide of vaccine related phishing email scams. We expect to see an increase in these in the coming days.
"Phishing emails seen have contained malicious files that installed malware, or links to bogus websites to obtain the victim's information. "
Protect yourself from vaccine-themed phishing campaigns by:
Checking the email addresses on incoming messages
Being alert to hyperlinks that contain misspelled domain names
Being aware of highly emotive language designed to manipulate you
Not supplying login credentials or personal information in response to an email
Monitoring key financial accounts regularly
Keeping software and apps updated.
Report all scams to via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.