Be alert to vaccine fraud

14 January 2021

We’re supporting a campaign by the Government Counter Fraud Profession and NHS Counter Fraud Authority to combat so-called vaccine fraud.

Covid-19 vaccination programmes have opened up new opportunities for fraudsters. People have received text messages and phone calls appearing to come from the NHS, letting them know they’re eligible for the vaccine.

Often these messages ask for payment or bank details. In one case, a man allegedly turned up at an elderly woman’s house and asked for money in exchange for the Covid vaccine. It is unknown what he administered her with.

The NHS will never:

• Ask for payment – the vaccine is free
• Ask for your bank details
• Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• Ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents

If you receive a call you believe is fraudulent, hang up. If you receive a text message or email, do not reply and do not click any links in the message.

You can report vaccine fraud anonymously to the Crimestoppers COVID fraud hotline on 0800 587 5030, or complete the online form.

To report fraud affecting local government, contact our team.

Download the NHS counter fraud poster