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Man's warning over Covid-19 vaccine scam email
11:17, 01 February 2021
updated: 16:43, 01 February 2021
The victim of a Covid-19 vaccine scam is warning others to take extra care so it doesn't happen to them.
Robin Sainsbury, from Folkestone, says he was 'taken advantage of' after being duped into entering his bank details on a form inviting him to book for his jab.
Mr Sainsbury speaks to KMTV about his ordeal
Mr Sainbury, 61, said he felt excited when he received the 'official looking' email from the NHS, thinking it was his turn to receive the vaccination.
It asked him to fill out personal details including his account number and sort code.
While the form explained that the vaccine was free, there was a £5 administration fee.
Mr Sainsbury, who has respiratory condition COPD, said: "I was excited to get the jab and I went and put my details in. Alarm bells should have been ringing.
"But I was carried along. It plays on your emotions; it pulls you in and your brain goes out the window. You're only concerned with what is in front of you."
Mr Sainsbury, a computer engineer, said after he completed the form, the window then closed and no confirmation arrived for his vaccine appointment.
He said: "I thought I have been well and truly had here.
"When I was looking into it after, the email just disappeared from my inbox. I've never seen an email disappear before.
"Someone else could easily fall into this trap. It was only £5, but now they have the bank details."
He called his doctors, who informed him it was definitely a scam. He then contacted his bank and cancelled his card.
He now wants to raise awareness of scam emails and warn others to be on the look out.
Mr Sainsbury added: "It makes you feel like you've been ripped apart. I felt stupid after and I don't want this happening to anyone else. It was so convincing.
"I want people to be aware.
"If you see something like this, just pause and take a step back. Think does this look right."
Kent County Council has also issued warnings about Covid-19 vaccine scams. For more, click here.
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