Beware of vaccination scams!: Please be very aware... - PMRGCAuk

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Beware of vaccination scams!

Fran_Benson profile image
Fran_BensonPartner
19 Replies

Please be very aware that there are several scams on email and text pretending to be from an official source inviting people to come for a vaccination. We've seen this one below this week (in the UK) but they could look different. If you receive something suspicious, or even if it looks genuine, take a few minutes to check it out and never give your bank details out - the NHS does not need your bank details to give you a vaccination.

The image is a bit blurry I'm afraid but it looked as though it was sent from a genuine email (noreply@nhs.gov.uk) which on first glance made it seem plausible so please be careful.

Fran

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Fran_Benson profile image
Fran_Benson
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19 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Do you know how the real NHS notification works Fran? Knowing that might make it easier to recognise the scam approaches?

Fran_Benson profile image
Fran_BensonPartner in reply to PMRpro

I'll find out. I have heard that some people are receiving multiple (genuine) invitations which possibly makes it more confusing.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Fran_Benson

Now they know there are scams - it would seem sensible to make it abundantly clear what the genuine version is like!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Reading this -it implies that the invitation comes by LETTER, certainly in England - it does not mention emails nor texts.

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to DorsetLady

Seems clear enough. Hope the postal service is up to it!!!!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro

Ahh well, that’s another can of worms. 😳

Fran_Benson profile image
Fran_BensonPartner in reply to DorsetLady

I've read similar on different parts of the NHS website: that letters are being sent out but that reminders might be by text. Would be good for people who have been invited and had their vaccination to share how they were informed.

jaycee444 profile image
jaycee444 in reply to Fran_Benson

I had a telephone call from my surgery followed up by a text to confirm. I have however this morning received a letter from the NHS to tell me I am eligible and giving me a link to apply online. It does however say to ignore if I have already heard.

diana1998 profile image
diana1998 in reply to jaycee444

Same here. My surgery organised local jabs, then I got a letter telling me to book an appointment at big NHS centre 20 miles away. Crossed wires, happening all the time.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Fran_Benson

Just spoken to someone due there’s tomorrow, same as jaycee444 below, text followed by letter.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Just watched my local news (South) - they showed same as above.

Advice is to ring COVID helpline 119 - they can tell you if a letter has been sent by NHS. Apparently some GP surgeries are also sending texts or emails obviously once they’ve been advised centrally.

Plus, once you know it’s a scam please report to Action Fraud - info here -

actionfraud.police.uk

piglette profile image
piglette

Our medical centre had written to us to say

“The Medical Centre would like to put out a warning about Covid scams. The Medical Centre say “We invite by text re the Town Hall or people get letters for the mass vaccination sites - we don't ask for more than Date of Birth either”.

Beware fake Covid vaccination invites, NHS warns - BBC News

bbc.co.uk/news/technology-5...

The NHS say “ By letter, text or email

If you're invited to have your vaccination at a larger vaccination centre or at a pharmacy, you'll get a letter.

If you're invited to have your vaccination at a local centre such as a hospital or GP surgery, you'll usually get a text or email. You may sometimes get a letter.

You can choose to go to a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy, or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service. More places are opening all the time.”

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Just got a text from surgery to book vaccine- all they asked is DOB - link to site. Booked Fri 5th morning. Letter en route apparently.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

From local police authority in newsletter re vaccine -

What to expect:

A letter – Those who are invited to a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy will receive notification in the form of a letter.

An SMS or email – Those who are invited to a local centre, such as a hospital or GP surgery, will usually receive a text message or email. In some cases, however, you may receive a letter.

Still a little confusing!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I have had a letter informing me that I will be called for a vaccine mid February, from the government. GP unaware when I asked ( and shirty).

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SheffieldJane

Maybe your surgery isn’t doing them that’s why.....but no need to be shirty!

Our surgery (which has 2 sites) has joined with another 6 or so local surgeries, and the larger one in town (rather than smaller in village) is being used as the main hub.

Bcol profile image
Bcol

I had a text from my surgery asking me to ring them and book a time. All very simple and efficient. Local sports centre was used for my jab.

Rugger profile image
Rugger

My GP's surgery is phoning with the date & time for the vaccination and following up with the usual text that comes for any appointment.

Fran_Benson profile image
Fran_BensonPartner

It seems like there are several ways that you might be legitimately contacted for the vaccine. I received this email from one member:

I had a text from the local hospital inviting me this weekend. I had to request by email letting them know days I was not available and they then email the appt. Several friends who have been outpatients (rheumatology) have also had these invites - but not everyone! Some had letters, one had email - told to reply by email.

The main thing to remember is that if it's legitimate it won't be asking you for money or bank details or similar.

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