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COVID-19 vaccine - Vaccine scams

I’ve heard there are COVID-19 vaccination scams. How do I know if an email, phone call or text is genuine?

Scammers often make contact by email, phone calls, text messages or social media posts. They may even call at your door and may ask you for money.

There have been reports of scams relating to the COVID-19 vaccine. In Wales, COVID-19 vaccines will only be available through your NHS local health board.

Remember:

  • The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details – the vaccine is free for eligible people.  
  • The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.  
  • NHS staff will never arrive unannounced at your home to give you the COVID-19 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 payslips. 

If you receive a call, text message or email claiming to be a COVID-19 vaccine booking line asking for your bank details or for money, this is a scam. Never give your bank details over the phone or email to an unknown source or to anyone who cannot confirm their identity to you. 

There is more information on spotting fraud and scams. 

What should I do if I receive a scam phone call, text or email invite for my COVID-19 vaccine?

If you receive a call that you think is a scam, hang up immediately. You can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm). 

If you receive a suspicious text message that you think is a scam, you can forward it to 7726. This is a free service in the UK to report scam texts. 7726 spells out SPAM on a telephone keyboard. Do not click on any links or reply to the text.  

If you are concerned or suspicious about an email you have received, please forward the email to [email protected] so these scams can be identified and stopped. Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. 

When you forward the suspicious message, you will receive a reply asking for the number which sent you the text. Action Fraud will follow this up with your mobile phone provider.

If you think you are a victim of fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting the Action Fraud website. 

Please make sure your GP has your up-to-date contact details so you can be contacted to have the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as appropriate.  

Page last reviewed: 16th October 2025