Scammers using ‘Covid vaccine’ to steal cash from elderly
ELDERLY residents are being warned that crooks and scammers are taking advantage of the Covid vaccine rollout.
Age UK Cheshire East, based on Henderson Street, Macclesfield, has been running the Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project since April.
According to chief executive Damon Taylor a particular focus has been Covid-related scams and the latest type involves the vaccine.
Bogus phone messages and texts are being sent inviting people for an appointment and recipients are asked for bank details to verify their identity.
But the health charity says
authorities would never ask for an individual’s bank details, passwords or PIN numbers.
They would also never ask you to press a button on your keypad, or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine.
In some
instances, although the vaccine is free, the scammers are requesting payment.
The charity’s project issues a scams awareness bulletin to more than 5,000 people with tips about how to avoid falling victim and delivers (currently online) awareness sessions. Project manager Sally Wilson says: “We knew before the pandemic that this project was needed to empower older people against scams, but coronavirus has intensified that need.
“In this crisis, we see an opportunity to help others. Unfortunately, scammers see an opportunity to help themselves.
“I would really encourage people to make use of the project’s services, or come forward as a volunteer, so our older people can feel safe and reassured.”
The project is currently looking for volunteers to share scam awareness messages in Poynton.
To find out more or book an awareness session for your group contact Sally Wilson at sally. wilson@ageukce.org or on 01625 612958/07932 999902.