On Saturday, a man and woman told a 92-year-old woman that they were from the NHS and were injecting people with the vaccine. The old lady was distracted by the female while the man searched the house, taking some money before both fled.
A 76-year-old woman was also targeted by a fraudster offering a private vaccine for £100 on January 19.
The victim was in the garden of an address on Fabian Road, below, at around 11am when she was approached by a woman wearing a visor, plastic pinafore, and carrying a vanity case offering the jab.
The victim realised it was a scam and declined, and the woman left in a car towards Church Lane.
The woman is described as being skinny with a Geordie accent, reported Teesside Live.
Superintendent Emily Harrison said: “These are two particularly distressing cases and we are concerned that people are exploiting the vaccine campaign in this way.
“Fraudsters do not care who their victim is, that’s why we must do all we can to tell our family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues about the tactics that they use.
“Our detectives are investigating both cases and will be looking at CCTV in the local area and doing all we can to find those responsible.”
The NHS gives this advice which we are urging people to share:
A spokesman said: “Coronavirus vaccines are only available on the NHS.
“You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, or a GP surgery local to you, to receive your vaccine.
“Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.”
Mark Adams, the director of public health for South Tees, said: “We have seen how pleased people have been to receive the vaccine when it is their turn to do so, but sadly this positivity also brings out criminals who look to steal money on the back of the life-saving programme.
“Please remember, the NHS will always provide the vaccine free of charge. The NHS will never ask for, or accept, cash for vaccines, never ask for your bank details or identity documents and will never come to your house unannounced.
“The roll-out of the vaccine promises great hope for everybody, but please be careful not to fall victim to fraud.”
