Beware this dangerous Covid-19 vaccine NHS email scam that experts warn is ‘extremely convincing’

SCAM emails claiming that the recipient has been selected to receive a coronavirus vaccine have been highlighted by concerned experts.

The email is said to be “extremely convincing” and could result in people handing out personal information to scammers or downloading malicious software.

According to Computing writer Tom Allen, he was almost convinced when he received one of the scam emails.

The email encouraged the reader to click on a link to either accept or decline the fake vaccine invitation.

Several other people have complained about similar emails online.

The problem is so large that Action Fraud UK has had to tweet and warn people about cybercriminals trying to take advantage of the vaccine rollout.

Remember, the vaccine is only available on the @NHSuk and is free of charge.

If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, or pay for the vaccine, this is a scam #coronavirusfrauds pic.twitter.com/7YnDXGd2Zi

— Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) January 27, 2021

Action Fraud tweeted: “Remember, the vaccine is only available on the @NHSuk and is free of charge.

“If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, or pay for the vaccine, this is a scam.”

However, some of the emails claiming to be from the NHS don’t initally appear to ask for money but want you to open a link.

Opening links from phishing emails can sometimes upload viruses or malicious software onto your device.

The email Mr Allen received read: “The NHS is performing selections for coronavirus vaccination on the basis of family genetics and medical history.

“You’ve been selected to receive a coronavirus vaccination.”

It goes on to explain that the vaccine is safe and says the recipient will need two appointments.

It’s all very convincing but a closer look reveals that the email address wasn’t the official NHS one and that both the ‘Accept’ and ‘Reject’ links in the email are said to link to the same page.

This was not said to be obvious when reading the email on a smartphone.

Recipients of similar scam emails in the UK can report them to [email protected].

You can also report suspicious text messages.

Remember to never open links in suspicious emails or give out personal details or payments to unverified sources.

What is phishing?

Here’s what you need to know…

Phishing is a type of online fraud
It’s typically an attempt to nab some of your data
Phishing generally involves scammers posing as a trustworthy entity
For instance, fraudsters could send you an email claiming to be your bank, asking for details
Scammers can also set up fake websites that look like real ones, simply to hoodwink you
Phishing can take place over email, social media, texts, phone calls and more
The best defence against phishing is to be generally sceptical of weblinks and emails, especially if they were unsolicited

Most common symptoms of new Covid strain revealed for first time