Jonathan Van-Tam says regular coronavirus jabs are likely

David Chambers, 33, appeared at Westminster Magistrate’s Court to face two counts of fraud by false representation, common assault and two allegations of breaching coronavirus regulations.

The court heard his victim allowed him into her home in Surbiton, south-west London, back in December.

Chambers claimed he was there to administer the coronavirus vaccine.

He allegedly charged her £160 before returning to her home this month to demand another £100.

Chambers was remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Kingston Crown Court in February.

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Earlier this month, police warned of fake texts being sent out offering a vaccine in a bid to steal personal and financial information.

Derbyshire Constabulary said the text offers a link to an “extremely convincing” fake NHS website.

Here the people are asked to input their bank details to register for a vaccine.

Cold callers are also asking for people to pay for the vaccines over the phone.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: “The scam message reads ‘we have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine’ and then prompts you to click on a link for further information or to ‘apply’ for the vaccine.

“If you receive a text or email that asks you to click on a link or for you to provide information, such as your name, credit card or bank details, it’s a scam.”

In late December, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust issued a similar warning about fraudulent phone calls and messages.

The warning said: “In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine.

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“Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill.”

A spokesperson for the Sussex trust said: “The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and will never ask for payment or for your bank details.”

Ofcom has also issued warnings on what to look out for when it comes to Covid scams.

They urged people not to click on links or attachments which are sent on these messages.

Pauline Smith, head of the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime Action Fraud, said: “The vaccine is a crucial tool in fighting the coronavirus and keeping people safe.

“Thankfully, the number of reports into Action Fraud are relatively low but we have seen an increase in the last two months, particularly around scam text messages.

“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge.

“The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine.

“If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”

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