Warning to residents after pensioner offered coronavirus vaccination by stranger in Northampton

Residents are being warned after an elderly man was offered a coronavirus vaccination by a stranger in the street in Northampton

The random man approached him in the Wootton area over the weekend, saying they had all of the necessary equipment and could do it there and then.

Wootton Medical Centre said the pensioner declined the offer and reported it to police - Northamptonshire Police has been contacted for comment.

A 92-year-old woman in Surbiton, south-west London, paid a fraudster claiming to work for the NHS £160 for a fake Covid-19 vaccine on December 30.

While Northampton General Hospital wrote on its website on the same day warning about a small number of people nationally receiving suspicious calls and text messages offering the jab.

It says: "To protect yourself and your family members from fraud and criminals, remember the following points.

"The vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free to people in priority groups, and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. You will not be asked to pay for the vaccine

"The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank details

"We are not making house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine

"If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.

"If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

"Where the victim is vulnerable, and particularly if you are worried that someone has or might come to your house, report it to the police online or by calling 101."