BEWARE of fake COVID-19 vaccine text alerts, the police have warned.

The Neighbourhood Alert service provided by the Devon and Cornwall Police warns the fake text alerts appear to be from the NHS stating that the recipient is eligible to apply for a vaccine and followed by a link.

‘Please do not click on the link – the link is a convincing fake NHS website which asks for personal and financial information,’ warns a Neighbourhood Alert spokesperson.

‘The NHS will never ask for your banking information.

‘Please be wary of other scams related to COVID-19 which may include:

Fake links claiming to take you to a Government website for a COVID-19 related payment

Offers of health supplements that will prevent you from becoming infected

Financial support offers that appear to be from your bank

Fines suggesting you have breached lockdown

‘If you have clicked and supplied your details please phone your bank/building society immediately on a telephone number from a reliable source (if any financial information has been passed) and report to Action Fraud via the website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by phoning 0300 123 2040.

‘If you have any concerns please email [email protected] or phone 101.

‘Please pass this information on.’