“Please don’t fall victim to these criminals”: Hartlepool health chiefs slam 'immoral' Covid vaccine scammers

Reports of scam calls and messages offering the vaccine for a fee are increasing in the region and further afield says the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Some unsolicited calls, texts and emails claim to be from the NHS or the World Health Organisation and victims are asked to connect to an operator which may be a premium rate phone line.

People are reminded that the vaccine is free for everyone and the NHS, GPs or other legitimate health care providers will never ask for money in return for it.

Dr Mojgan Sani the trust’s leading pharmacist said: “When society is in such difficulty and distress, our responsibility to make a constructive contribution to human affairs becomes more pronounced.

“Anyone morally debased enough to seek to exploit fears around Covid-19 by scamming people for money is clearly diverging from this.

“However, our united efforts and hard work will ensure resilience, integrity and great hope for the future.

“The vaccine is free of charge to everyone. No matter how convincing the call or message may seem, if they are asking for a single penny, it’s a scam.”

Related story: Chief medic tells how hospital trust treating three times as many Covid patients as in first wave

Dr Sani said the trust and GP networks are doing everything they can to be there for communities throughout the pandemic including rolling out the vaccine, adding “the last thing we need is people preying on local people who are understandably concerned and worried.

“Please don’t fall victim to these criminals.”

Elaine Johnson, who works as a personal assistant within the trust, received one of the scam calls this week.

She said: "As soon as I told them I work for the NHS, they hung up on me!”

The trust advises the NHS will contact patients directly and will never use their bank details to confirm their identity.

It adds a legitimate NHS caller will never press a caller for a decision and if you are at unsure to hang up and contact your GP surgery.

The government will also never text you demanding money.

Suspicious calls, texts or emails can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk

Related story: Hartlepool and East Durham MPs vow to fight cut to vaccines allocation after reports

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