Following an investigation into a report of a potential bogus caller incident in the Heathhall area of Dumfries on Friday, 22 January, officers have established that no criminality took place.
Enquiries have determined the woman who attended an elderly person’s home to administer a COVID-19 vaccination was a legitimate nurse.
Inspector Hugh McCombe said: “This report has been a false alarm but it’s encouraging to know the community is aware of such scams and remaining vigilant.
“Scams can be circulated via text messages, phone calls and emails, as well as in person through cold callers presenting at people’s homes.
“Please contact your local GP practice if unsure, as the NHS advises, and report suspicious activity to police if you’re concerned as we will look into this.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “We are pleased that there was an innocent explanation for this situation – but the lady involved was quite right to raise her concerns.
“We are aware that nationally there are people who will seek to use the activity around COVID-19 vaccinations to try to take advantage of others.
“We would repeat our advice that anyone set to be in receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination will be contacted either by a letter, a phone call from their GP practice or by the local community nursing team.
“It was a member of the nursing team who phoned the lady on the morning of the day in question, and we apologise for any resulting confusion.
“If anyone is in any doubt about an approach to receive a vaccination in their home, they should contact their GP practice – and we will be advising practices to share these concerns with the community nursing teams who are delivering vaccinations and will be in a position to advise.”
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