ISLANDERS are being warned about a scam in which an email or phone call requests payment and identity details in order to secure a Covid vaccine appointment.

The NHS will contact you when it's your turn to have the coronavirus vaccination and you will not be asked for any payment details as the process is free of charge.

The vaccine is being offered at larger vaccination centres, pharmacies and some local NHS services such as hospitals or GP surgeries.

When it's your turn, you'll be contacted by letter, text or email with information on how to book your appointment.

The scam asks for bank account or card details and in some cases pin or banking passwords, and copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips. The NHS will never ask for these in relation to the vaccine.

Isle of Wight County Press: Dr Judith Moore, the first IW frontline worker to receive a vaccine. Picture by DK Photography.Dr Judith Moore, the first IW frontline worker to receive a vaccine. Picture by DK Photography.

If you're invited to have your vaccination at a larger vaccination centre or at a pharmacy, you'll get a letter.

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If you're invited to have your vaccination at a local centre such as a hospital or GP surgery, you'll usually get a text or email. You may sometimes get a letter.

You can choose to go to a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy, or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service. More places are opening all the time.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud or identify theft, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you have received a letter but not booked an appointment, you may get a phone call from the NHS Immunisation Management Service. This call will be from 0300 561 0240.