Scammers appear to have been well prepared for the bookings for vaccinations in Durham to open on Monday and vaccinations to start yesterday.
The alarm on fraudsters was raised yesterday by alert Whitby officials.
“It has come to town’s attention that residents have received fraudulent calls requesting money to reserve vaccination spaces. The Town of Whitby does not contact residents to book vaccinations and does not ask for a reservation deposit,” said a town statement
The town has alerted the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
“The town is advising residents of a Covid-19 vaccination scam concerning individuals claiming to be town employees. The town has received a number of reports from concerned residents of calls they have received from individuals asking them to book an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccination and immediately pay a reservation deposit. These calls are NOT coming from the Town of Whitby,” said the statement.
It pointed out that the town does not have a role in the booking of vaccinations. Any calls of this nature should be reported to Durham Regional Police Service’s non-emergency line 1-888-579-1520.