REPORTS have been in Darlington of a vaccine passport scam.

Members of the public are being reminded that the NHS will never ask people to send out personal documents, or request banking details or payment.

Action Fraud says there have been more than 700 reports by people nationally who have been sent emails purporting to be from the NHS, offering them a vaccine passport.

Darlington’s Primary Care Network said it has received reports of the scam circulating in the town and warned people not to fall victim.

A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “The fake emails  claim that the passport will allow you to travel safely and freely around the world without having to self-isolate.

“The emails ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.”

The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.

  •  The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking passwords.
  • The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
  • The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.

Action Fraud says: "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."

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