HOAX JABS
Covid vaccines minister issues ‘urgent’ warning over jab scams after cruel conman charges woman, 92, £160 for fake shot
THE vaccines minister has issued an "urgent" warning today over Covid jab scams after a cruel conman charged an elderly woman £160 for a fake shot.
Nadhim Zahawi made the warning after a 92-year-old woman was targeted.
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Mr Zahawi wrote on Twitter: "Urgent! Please please share with elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives.
"The NHS will never ask for bank account details or arrive unannounced at your home."
He shared a further caution from Action Fraud, which advised people to stay vigilant and avoid being scammed.
An elderly victim fell victim to a Covid vaccine scammer in London on December 30.
The suspect knocked on the elderly lady's home claiming he was from the NHS and there to administer the coronavirus vaccine injection.
The frail pensioner let the suspect into her home and was jabbed in the arm with what the victim said was a "dart-like" instrument.
But the suspect then asked for £160 in cash from his victim claiming she would be reimbursed by the NHS.
Then on January 4 he returned and asked for £100 more.
The NHS will never ask for bank account details or arrive unannounced at your home
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi
Police say it is not yet known what substance, if any, was administered to the victim. She was checked over at her local hospital and has suffered no ill effects.
The City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit are now appealing for help identifying the suspected fraudster following the incident in Surbiton, south west London.
Officers say the suspect called on the pensioner between 2 and 3pm. He returned for more money on January 4.
Detective Inspector Kevin Ives from the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit said: “This is a disgusting and totally unacceptable assault on a member of the public which won’t be tolerated.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist us in identifying this man to get in touch.
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"It is crucial we catch him as soon as possible as not only is he defrauding individuals of money, he may endanger people’s lives.”
The man is described as white with a London accent, in his early 30s, 5ft 9 inches in height, medium build, with light brown hair that is combed back.
On his second visit to the victim’s address, he was wearing a navy blue tracksuit with white stripes down the side.
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