Wirral Council posted a message on its Facebook page warning that fraudsters were targeting vulnerable pensioners.

Older people reported receiving an automated phone message offering them a vaccine appointment and telling them to press a number to arrange a booking.

Criminals were then able to charge victims’ phone companies and raid money from victims’ accounts.

Elsewhere people have received a text message directing them to an online form where they fill in their details to purportedly be told if they are eligible for the vaccine.

The form asks for details including your mother’s maiden name and your bank account sort code and account number.

Anyone who receives a text they think is a scam should forward it to 7726.

GPs are starting to administer the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine – which is free. Doctors’ surgeries are prioritising people aged over 80, as well as health and care staff.

In August, the Financial Conduct Authority said it had investigated more than 150 coronavirus-related scams.