Warning after new coronavirus scam reported 1,000 times in 24 hours

Fraud fighters Action Fraud said they had received dozens of reports of fake vaccine texts – and 1,000 reports in a single day of dodgy “phishing emails”.

The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details.

In some cases, the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website, Action Fraud said.

The email attempts to trick people into handing over their bank details.

It appears to come from the NHS and asks the recipient to click on a link to accept or decline an invitation to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

If they click accept, they are asked to input personal information and their bank card details.

Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud, added: “Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge.

“The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine.

“If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”

In the UK, vaccinations 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 local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.

The NHS will never mask for your bank account or card details, ask for your PIN or banking passwords, arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine or ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills.

Anyone receiving what appears to be a fraudulent call should hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to [email protected].

Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Action Fraud is raising awareness of another coronavirus vaccine scam, after it received a high volume of reports relating to a phishing email on Monday 25 January.