Cruel Christmas scammers are trying to charge for arranging bogus Covid booster jabs for victims in North Wales, it’s been revealed.

Wayne Jones, deputy police and crime commissioner for North Wales has been targeted by a fake message with a link to “register” for a third vaccination.

The link takes people to a fake website that looks genuine, but asks for bank details.

The NHS does not charge for such services, and texts or emails like this should not be opened.

Mr Jones said: “People are doing lots more online these days, including buying Christmas presents or giving to charity, so everybody needs to be mindful that if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.

“They need to make sure they have proper software and firewalls on their phones and other devices so they’re not being infected by spyware and illegal software that’s tracking their online activity.

“Any online purchases should be made from reputable suppliers and check out their returns policy and their insurance policy.

“It’s also important to make sure that you’re fully secure in terms of your online banking and that you’re protecting your private information.

“My advice is to make sure your passwords are secure by not using birthdays, family names and the like, and don’t use the same passwords across important accounts.

“There are also a lot of unsolicited emails or text messages, particularly purporting to be in relation to parcels that could not be delivered.

“Sometimes they may be legitimate but there are an awful lot of scam emails and text messages going around. If you receive a message about a delivery, always check the delivery company’s official website where you can track any parcels.

“The purpose of a scam email can often also be to get you to click a link. This will take you to a website which might download a virus to your computer, or steal passwords or other personal information. This is sometimes known as phishing

“You should always be wary of unsolicited calls, texts or emails requesting your personal or financial information, including your name, address, bank details, email or phone numbers. Always contact your bank/building society directly using a known email or phone number to verify.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “Nobody is immune from scam emails or text messages. I receive them, we all get them. People just need to use a bit of common sense.

“These scammers are totally unscrupulous – they’re using any opportunity that might be particularly pertinent at that particular time.

“To use the pandemic for a money making scam is the lowest of the low because we all know somebody who has had Covid and tragically some have lost their lives.

“Christmas is supposed to be the season of goodwill but these despicable scammers aim to make it a miserable time for their victims.”