UPDATE: The police have said the visitor was, in fact, a local GP.

AN ELDERLY Borders woman has been targeted by a scammer claiming to offer a coronavirus jab, warn police.

Officers say the elderly resident was visited at her Kelso home yesterday (Thursday January 14) by a woman aged between 30 and 40.

The visitor claimed she was there to administer a COVID-19 vaccination, say police, but she was refused entry when she failed to produce ID.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are urging the public to be vigilant following a report that a woman attended at the home address of an elderly resident in Kelso yesterday claiming that she was there to give her COVID vaccination.

"On being requested for ID, she said she had none and was refused entry and left the property.

"The woman is described as roughly 30-40 years old, dark hair in a pony tail, light blue puffer jacket, dark blue trousers and top, light coloured trainers and wearing PPE [personal protective equipment] type apron beneath her jacket.

"NHS will NEVER arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine, please call us immediately on 999 if this happens and please make elderly/vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours aware of this.

"Scammers have also been sending messages or phoning and claiming to be from the NHS, telling people that they are eligible to apply for their vaccine. 

"The messages ask the recipient to click on a link leading to an online form which looks similar to the real NHS website, where they are asked for personal and financial details.

"The COVID-19 vaccination is free. The NHS will NEVER ask for your bank details or for a payment and they will not ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as passports.

"They will NEVER arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.

"NHS Scotland advise that your local health board will be in touch with you to arrange your vaccination appointment when you are eligible.

"If you are unsure about a message you have received in relation to COVID-19, call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.

"Find more information about the delivery of the vaccine in Scotland at www.nhsinform.scot/"