A WARNING has been shared about a scam that claims you are entitled to the Covid-19 vaccination – but instead asks for your bank details.

Dorset Police say that people in Dorset and across the country have been targeted by the scam.

In the scam, users are sent a text claiming to be from an NHS body or similar informing the user “we have identified that your are eligible to apply for your vaccine” and that they are entitled to a COVID-19 vaccination.

They are then invited to ‘apply’ for a vaccine by clicking on a link within the text message that takes them to a web page, which appears to be a NHS website.

This web page will ask for personal details including ‘card payment details’ to 'prove ownership of address' but by supplying this information, personal bank accounts are being raided by the scammers.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “This is a very convincing text purporting to be from the NHS.

“Any genuine invitation from your GP or other NHS body for the COVID-19 vaccination will not ask for any payment details.

“Should anyone receive similar contact, please report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”

How to spot scams and what to do if you see one

Action Fraud recommends being wary of fraudulent emails and messages that:

  • are unsolicited and supposedly come from a reputable organisation, such as a bank or credit card company
  • encourage you urgently to visit a website or call a number to verify or update your details
  • request your personal information such as username, password or bank account
  • Has poor grammar, spelling or presentation

Further crime prevention advice can be found through this link - https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/