Dorset Police has urged residents across the county to be aware of a Covid vaccine-related scam.

Residents have been sent a text purporting to be from a NHS body or similar informing the user that they are entitled to a COVID-19 vaccination. They are then invited to  click on a link within the text message that takes them to a web page.

This web page will ask for personal details including ‘card payment details’.

By supplying this information personal bank accounts are being raided by the scammers.

‘This is a very convincing text purporting to be from the NHS,’ said a spokesperson for Dorset Police.

‘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 requests they can report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Follow this link to the Dorset Police website for crime prevention advice – https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/