The UK NHS has announced their plans to begin texting the public to invite them to book their much anticipated COVID vaccine. The first people to be contacted will be those 55 and over and unpaid carers. Amounting to around 440,000 individuals.

This news of the vaccine roll out has brought joy to many and the use of text messages makes it quicker and more convenient to book an appointment. However, the use of these legitimate vaccine text alerts may be mimicked and exploited by those with malicious intentions.

Below are some useful tips on how you can be avoid falling victim to a COVID themed smishing attack.

Remember that the NHS will never charge for the COVID vaccination and therefore their text message will NEVER:

• Request any bank account, card or financial details.
• Ask you to prove your identity by requesting copies of payslips, bills or any personal documents such as a passport or driving license (the NHS may however ask you to bring photo ID with you to your physical vaccination appointment).
• Ask for information such as your banking pin or password.
• Arrive at your home unexpectedly to deliver the vaccine.

The legitimate NHS text message will:

• Show as being sent from ‘NHSvaccine’.
• Contain a link to the NHS.uk website.

If you receive a text message you are unsure about, avoid clicking on any links and call 119 to book your appointment instead.