Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle criminals who attempt to defraud (a) the most vulnerable and (b) other citizens during the covid-19 vaccine roll-out.

The Government is aware that fraudsters are exploiting the pandemic to commit opportunistic crimes such as fraud. We are regularly monitoring the number of cases being reported to the police and these – at present- remain very low.

The Government is working closely with local enforcement teams and urging the public to beware of fake text messages, claiming to be from NHS or instructing people to sign up for the #COVID19 vaccine.

Through our public communications, we are reminding the public that the NHS will never:

• Ask for bank account or card details;
• Ask for a PIN or banking password;
• Arrive unannounced at someone’s home to administer the vaccine;
• Demand proof of identity by sending copies of personal documents such as a passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.

We are encouraging the public to forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and to forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (which is free of charge). This information is being used by law enforcement partners, alongside crime reports to identify, disrupt and stop fraudsters.