Warning over Eastbourne vaccine scam

The scam was addressed by Mrs Ansell on her Facebook page yesterday (January 5) as she also provided details to help the public identify fraudulent messages or calls.

It comes after people reported being offered a vaccine if they pay for it.

Mrs Ansell said, “The vaccine is only available on the NHS for free to people in priority groups, and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. Anyone offering a paid-for vaccine is committing a crime.

“The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank details.

“At the moment we are not making house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine. Anyone offering this now is committing a crime.

“If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.”

Some people who have been contacted by scammers are redirected to a fake, but very believable, NHS webpage where they are eventually asked for bank details, according to Mrs Ansell.

There are reports of a vaccine scam dating back to mid-December and it is advised that if you have handed over your card details you should contact your bank immediately.