WARRINGTON residents are being urged to keep their wits about them over a new coronavirus vaccine scam which is targeting vulnerable older people.

Residents in their 90s have received phone calls to say they will be having their Covid-19 vaccinations at home and will receive a visit at a certain time and date.

They are then asked to provide personal details other than their name to make a payment, or press a number on their keypad.

Warrington Borough Council has warned that the NHS does not charge for the vaccine and any calls such as this should be treated as a scam.

If you are registered with a GP in Warrington, you will be called by a staff member or contacted directly from your GP.

If you live in Warrington but are registered with a practice outside the borough, you will be contacted by representatives from that local authority area.

The callers booking vaccinations will not ask for any other personal details other than asking you to confirm your name., and certainly will not ask for any money.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, said: “Reports of scam phone calls targeting elderly residents waiting for a Covid-19 vaccine are extremely concerning.

“Those at risk and urgently waiting for a coronavirus vaccine are urged to remember they will not receive calls from the NHS asking them for money or to press a number on their keypad to make an appointment.

“Unfortunately, anyone who receives a call that asks them to press a key to be forwarded to make an appointment for a vaccine will likely instead receive a large charge on their phone bill.

“Please make your families, friends and neighbours aware and to be on their guard.”

The council’s chief trading standards officer, Linda Smallthwaite, added: “If you are unsure who has called you, then contact your GP surgery to check.

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“Scammers continually change their scam to suit the circumstances.

“It is important we are all aware that unscrupulous people will try to scam us out of our personal information or money.

“We can all help by learning more about the different types of scams to support our families, friends and neighbours.”

To report a scam or suspicious activity, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.