Halton Trading Standards is warning consumers of a scam email circulating regarding the Covid-19 vaccine.
The email (see pic) at the bottom of the page is a scam, it is from an email address which states ‘tax’ within it, it also addresses the consumer by their email address, rather than their name.
This is a phishing email with a view to obtaining consumers personal and/or bank details.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
“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.”
Joint advice from the NHS and law enforcement agencies on protecting yourself from COVID-19
•The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.
•The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.
•The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
•The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133
