Warning after 91-year-old Haywards Heath man targeted in Covid-19 vaccine scam

Officers said the man received a text message from who he thought was his GP practice and opened it on December 26.

The message contained details about the Covid-19 vaccine which he was due to receive. He then clicked on a link asking for personal information which he provided.

The page then shut down when he added in his details and he reported it as a possible scam. Fortunately no money was lost, police confirmed.

PC Bernadette Lawrie, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, said: “That anyone would use the public health crisis we are facing to attempt to exploit people is completely shameful.

“We are aware of reports around the country where the elderly and vulnerable have lost money to this sort of scam so we are urging the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to Action Fraud or police.”

Sussex Police said other instances of fraudulent emails, texts and other communications have been reported, but thankfully no money is reported to have been lost.

Action Fraud has reported cases nationally where victims have been asked to send financial details by scammers to pay for vaccines.

In the UK, covid vaccines will only be available via the NHS. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine.

Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.

If the victim is vulnerable, please report to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.