Alarm over Fife’ s ‘fake’ vaccinator

COVID: Police alerted after scammer tried to access home

A “fake” Covid-19 vaccinator tried to gain entry to a vulnerable Fife patient’s home claiming they were there to administer the jab.

The shocking incident has come to light amid ongoing concerns about scammers using the coronavirus vaccine programme to obtain money or personal details from their victims.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the recent report, which was made by a local GP who was immediately alerted by a worried householder.

An individual dressed in full PPE is said to have arrived at the person’s door unannounced, claiming they were going to give out a Covid jab.

Thankfully the resident did not allow the visitor entry, but the incident has reinforced the need for vigilance.

Chief Inspector Anton Stephenson, of Police Scotland’s Safer Communities Division, said: “We will pursue anyone who sets out to cause this kind of harm and anxiety to our communities, especially linked to health when people are understandably anxious as the vaccine programme is rolled out across Scotland.”

The Fife case follows similar allegations south of the border where a 92-year-old woman was reportedly tricked out of £160 for a fake coronavirus vaccination in London.

Avulnerable Fife patient has been targeted by a scammer dressed in full PPE trying to gain access to their home, it has been claimed.

Police Scotland has been alerted to the recent incident in the kingdom in which it has been alleged an individual arrived at a pensioner’s home claiming they were there to administer the Covid-19 vaccine.

Very few details about the incident have been divulged, but it is understood the householder refused entry to the person and contacted their local GP, who in turn contacted police.

The claim comes amid growing concerns about the number of Covid-19 scams in operation, and follows a similar incident south of the border where a 92-year-old woman was allegedly tricked out of £160 for a fake vaccination.

A 33-year-old man has denied five offences relating to that incident in London and is due to appear again before magistrates this Friday.

The Fife incident has been highlighted by staff at Tayview Medical Practice, which has surgeries in Newport-on-Tay and Tayport, who have stressed nobody should be expecting a vaccination in their own home at this time.

David Ramsay, business manager, said he had been made aware of the incident.

“Thankfully, the patient did not let the person into their home and contacted their GP practice who informed Police Scotland.

“Currently, all vaccinations are either provided at GP practices for anyone aged 80 and over or at a vaccination centre for those aged under 80 years. NHS Fife are currently developing plans for the vaccination of housebound patients and I will provide further information via our practice website regarding the process for housebound patients once I have been informed by NHS Fife.

“In the meantime, I ask our patient population to be vigilant.

“All invitations for those under 80 years of age are being done by letter and all patients aged 80 and over are being contacted by the practice by phone with appointments delivered at our Newport practice.”

GPs across Tayside and Fife have also had to remind patients about scam emails which are inviting recipients to click on a link to either arrange an appointment or decline an appointment.

While the format of the email is professional in nature and appears to have been sent by the NHS, the emails are fraudulent and could allow scammers to access computer files.

NHS Fife has stressed that all patients invited to attend for a vaccination will receive an invitation by post, with no invitations going out by email.

Chief Inspector Anton Stephenson, of Police

Scotland’s Safer Communities Division, said: “The NHS, and indeed other government departments, will never ask for any form of payment for a vaccine or to confirm your identity. I would urge anyone who is concerned they may have provided personal or financial information via a link in a message of this sort to contact police on 101.

“Similarly, if someone comes to your property claiming to be offering vaccines for a fee, close and secure your door, and call Police Scotland.

“If you receive any communications relating to vaccines that you are in any way concerned about please contact your GP who will be able to confirm your status regarding a vaccine and do not give out any personal details or payment information.”

Meanwhile, Tayview Medical Practice has apologised after its main phone line was rendered out of use due to a fault.

British Telecom says it has classified the fault as a major system outage.

Calls to the practice on 01382 543251 are being diverted to the practice mobile.

People are being informed of jabs by letter, not email.