The calls appear to originate from what appears to be a local Kent area code telephone number which starts with 01233. The caller identifies themselves to be from the NHS and in particular from the 'Health and Wellbeing Service'.
Bethan Rastrick, ELFT's Local Counter Fraud Specialist explains. "The caller starts by asking questions about the person’s health and diet and has then been known to further ask the caller how they were feeling post therapy and other questions of this nature. The caller is then reported to have asked the resident to pay £170 for a vitamin supplement.
It is important to convey to the public that Bedfordshire Wellbeing Services or any NHS service, will never under any circumstances be calling members of the public and attempting to sell vitamin supplements. If they receive such a call, they need to be aware that it is a scam call."
The particular number used in this scam is 01233 344 107, although this number is likely to change.
Bethan goes on to say, "If you receive a call purporting to be from a health and wellbeing service attempting to sell vitamin supplements in exchange for a payment, please hang up on the caller. If you can, make a note of the phone number that was used to call you. Do not, in any circumstances, provide any personal details that includes your name, address or bank details."
If you think you, a relative, friend or neighbour have already fallen victim to this scam, firstly call the bank to report the matter. Then call Bedfordshire Police on 101 to report the fraud.
You can also report this matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool. A link to Action Fraud’s website can be found by clicking here; https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/