Scammers are attempting to exploit the island’s vaccine roll-out to find victims.

Health Minister David Ashford told a Covid briefing this week that he was ’disgusted’ that fraudsters should try to prey on the fears of the elderly during a pandemic.

He said: ’The constabulary has made us aware that we are seeing an increased number of scammers specifically targeting our island.

’These scammers are calling older people and exploiting the vaccine rollout and cold calling them, using it as a lever to try and get personal details.’

He scammers were also pretending to be from the Isle of Man Bank.

Mr Ashford said: ’The behaviour of these people targeting some of the most vulnerable in society is reprehensible and shows them up as the worst of humanity, trying to exploit for personal gain the fear and anxiety of those most vulnerable during a worldwide pandemic.

disgust

’I can’t even begin to express the disgust I feel for people who would do such a thing.’

He urged everyone to remain vigilant and never give out personal or bank details to unsolicited callers.

The Minister said the 111 service will never cold call about a vaccine.

Those eligible for a vaccine will receive a letter that allows them to make contact with 111 to book an appointment.

’Should you get a call please never be afraid to call back on an official government number making sure the line is clear before you do call back,’ Mr Ashford said.

Police said investigations are continuing into the scam calls.

They said a Scottish sounding man has been making these recent calls using a fake bank phone number.

Police say victims’ bank details can sometimes be gained by a virus placed on their computer.

But the scammers would need the pass code given by using a bank card reader devices.

Police are warning the public not use bank card readers to give out pass codes over the phone.