Fareham Borough Council is warning residents to be on their guard after the circulation of scam text messages offering a COVID-19 vaccine in an attempt to steal personal and financial information.

People across the country have reported being sent text messages asking them to register for the COVID-19 vaccine by clicking a link.

This link send the user to a fake NHS website where people are asked to input their bank details.

A warning on the Fareham Borough Council website read: "The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and the NHS will never ask you to send a text to confirm you want the vaccine and will never ask for payment or for your bank details."

Executive Member for Health and Public Protection at FBC, Cllr Trevor Cartwright said: “This type of exploitation is specifically designed to target the most vulnerable in our community and prey on their fears during an already stressful time.

"Therefore I urge all residents to be vigilant and to inform family and friends who may not have access to online information to ensure everyone in the Borough is safe.”

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, this can be reported to Action Fraud.