Be aware of Coronavirus scams

Almost as soon as we heard the good news about the new Covid-19 vaccines, we learned the bad news that scammers were cashing in with fake vaccines and attempts to part members of the public from their hard-earned cash.

In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the NHS. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. And remember, the vaccine is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for your bank details and they will never arrive unannounced at your home to deliver the vaccine.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Southwater Community Police Office is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are concerned about something suspicious, please call 101 or report it online at www.sussex.police.uk . In an emergency, always dial 999. To report anti-social driving or abandoned vehicles, go to www.operationcrackdown.org .