Warning after Sutton man, 83, receives call from fraudster about coronavirus vaccine

The 83-year-old had already had his first jab in March and isn’t due his second until May.

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The victim, who lives alone, received the phone call from a woman on April 1.

She said they would visit between 9am to 2pm on Sunday.

The man’s family reported the call to police straight away.

The victim’s son, Ian Sawyer, said: “My father suffers from dementia and several other health problems, so it really concerned me when he told me he was called.

“When I found out I called 101 immediately and officers attended to speak to him.

“The police have been fantastic – it was a truly excellent service.

“The control room staff then rang my father back on Sunday, the day the fraudsters said they would come, to remind him they were visiting.

“They rang again and fortunately he remembered the local beat team’s advice and told them to leave him alone.

“In the end, they did not visit him in person.

“The local officers were also patrolling the area in an unmarked car that day, so I was really impressed how well they supported him and made him feel safe.

“I’d like to thank the members of the police's staff and particularly the control room for their work.”

Laura Murdock, who is Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud protect and prevent officer, said: “This is a hugely serious offence of fraud by false representation.

“Police patrols were increased in the area and we would urge the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to us directly.

“Thankfully the elderly victim did the right thing and spoke to family and friends, who then reported the scam.

“No money was handed over.

“Coronavirus social distancing measures the past year have left many of our elderly relatives feeling isolated and alone.

“This puts them in an incredibly vulnerable position and it is so important that we check in on them and remind them that not every voice at the end of the phone is friendly.

“The vital message to pass on to your relatives is for them to take five and think about who is contacting them, remind them that they do not have to answer the phone to unexpected callers and if they do, make sure that they ask questions for proof of identity.

“Hang up and call the organisation back on a known, trusted number.

“Any genuine organisation will have a record if they have called you.

“Taking a moment to stop and scrutinise the caller could prevent this sort of incident from reoccurring.

“Please be cautious when talking to strangers over the phone.”

Anyone who believes they have been called by a fraudster is urged to report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, on 0300 123 2040.

People who have lost money through a scam should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 so officers can preserve evidence as quickly as possible.

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A message from Ashley Booker, Mansfield Chad

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