Halton Trading Standards and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group are warning residents to be alert, following reports that patients in their 90’s in Bolton have received phone calls to say they will be having their Covid vaccinations at home.
The call states someone will be coming to their address on a certain time/date to do this.
The patients have also been asked for payment to access the vaccination
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “This is a scam – no one will be contacted to have their vaccine at home and you will never be asked for payment.
“Your GP practice will contact you directly to make an appointment to have the vaccination.
The caller will identify themselves and say they are calling on behalf of your GP and they are getting in touch about booking an appointment for a Coronavirus vaccine.
“The caller will then offer dates and times for you to attend clinic. They will also give the location of the site where you will receive it. This may not be your usual surgery.”
If you are receiving the Pfizer vaccination, you will also be given the time, date and location for the second dose of the vaccination. It is vital, you return and keep your second appointment.
The caller booking vaccinations will not ask for any other personal details other than asking you to confirm your name.
Once you have received the vaccination you must not drive for 15 minutes afterwards. You will need to remain in clinic until that time has elapsed.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133
