Scamsters have been using the false pretence of coronavirus vaccinations to try to get financial information from victims.

One reader informed us of a fake NHS-branded email which stated that they had been selected to receive a Coronavirus vaccination, and to click the invitation links to confirm/reject the vaccination.

The government stated that during the circuit breaker lockdown numerous members of the public had reported scam attempts to the Covid-19 community support phoneline and the police.

There were 21 reports of an email scam, the majority of which were about a false invitation for a vaccination.

There were four reports about scam ’phishing’ phonecalls [attempts to obtain sensitive information through deceptive means], and one report of a scam text.

The government added that many members of the public had called 111 to check that their letters were genuine, which it has previously encouraged people to do.

The police have often posted reminders of the correct process for making vaccination appointments.

People will receive only a letter from the health service, following which they can call 111 to get an appointment.