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NHS warns of flu jab scam to Kent patients

14:32, 21 November 2019

updated: 14:54, 21 November 2019

Scammers have been targetting patients demanding payment for their flu jabs.

NHS bosses around Kent have now warned people about the trick after an elderly resident in Bromley received a suspicious call.

Patients have reported scammers phoning them to pay for their flu jabs. Picture: Radar
Patients have reported scammers phoning them to pay for their flu jabs. Picture: Radar

The caller claimed to be from the health service and asked for them to send payment to ensure they received their injection with "a more sophisticated needle".

Alerts have been triggered across the country relating to flu jab scams.

Bosses at the Medway Clinical Commissioning Group issued a warning to its patients but it is not believed there are any victims in Medway.

NHS England highlighted an incident when a patient was called by someone claiming to be a GP working at their local practice.

They told them a GP could visit their home to administer the vaccination for a fee.

"We advise you not to share bank account details or other financial information"

An NHS spokesman said: "If someone claiming to be from the NHS contacts you by phone and asks for a payment, please be aware they could be a criminal trying to trick you.

"Most NHS services are free at the point of use and NHS professionals are very unlikely to ask for fees such as prescription charges by phone.

"We advise you not to share bank account details or other financial information unless you are sure of who you are talking to.

"We would ask that you continue to be vigilant."

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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