Coronavirus vaccination scams warning for West Norfolk after 'criminals exploit situation'

Coronavirus vaccination scams are being reported in the county, in which vulnerable people are being targeted.

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards has said people are being contacted out of the blue by text and recorded telephone voice messages offering vaccination.

The NHS has started rolling out vaccine jabs for those over the age of 80, with St James Surgery welcoming the first recipients yesterday.

But others are being targeted and are being maliciously asked to respond by clicking a link in the text message or by dialling one when receiving the call.

They are then asked to give personal information, as well as financial details to book their vaccination, by the scammers.

A social media post by Norfolk Trading Standards states: "Criminals are exploiting the current situation to attempt to steal personal details and your money.

"There has been a surge worldwide of vaccine related phishing email scams. We expect to see an increase in these in the coming days.

"Phishing emails seen have contained malicious files that installed malware, or links to bogus websites to obtain the victim's information."

Residents are being asked to protect themselves from vaccine-themed phishing campaigns by checking the email addresses on incoming messages and by being alert to hyperlinks containing misspelled domain names.

People should also be aware of highly emotive language designed to manipulate you. Norfolk Trading Standards says you should not supply login credentials or personal information in response to an email. You should also monitor key financial accounts regularly and keep software and apps updated.

Report all scams via Norfolk Trading Standards' Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.