CALLOUS Covid 'vaccine' scammers are masquerading as NHS officials in a bid to dupe Inverclyde residents.

A Gourock resident contacting the Tele to warn fellow readers about a fake email blitz urging people to click on links in bogus messages.

The man, who did not want to be identified, told how he immediately contacted police after the email appeared in his inbox.

It comes just days after the council issued an alert of conmen trying to exploit the coronavirus vaccination programme.

The man said: "The emails look official with a big NHS logo but it's a definite scam.

"I didn't click on any of the links, but some unwitting person might and it could easily lead to their computers or phones being infected with some other kind of virus.

"I just want to warn people, though the Telegraph, to be very wary and to be on their guard.

"I feel sure that other fraudsters will be trying all sorts to get at people who will no doubt be keen to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.

"Obviously people are concerned to receive the vaccination and some may be easily fooled by this."

The scam email is straightforward to spot as a fraud.

Despite having' 'NHS-UK' in the 'sent from' bar, it also contains the actual email account it was sent from — which is simply a hotmail.co.uk address.

It states: "NHS is performing selections for coronavirus vaccination on the basis of family genetics and medical history.

"You have been selected to receive a coronavirus vaccination

"Use this service to confirm/reject your (COVID-19) Vaccination."

Below the wording are two clickable links with the words 'NHS — Accept invitation' and 'NHS — Decline invitation'.

In a bid to hook people into clicking on on of the option, the email continues: "You can only use this service if you have received an email or SMS regarding this invitation.

"You can not use this service for anyone other than yourself.

"You are also free to reject this invitation, your appointment will be issued to the next person in line in that case."

Last week an urgent was issued to Inverclyde residents about another coronavirus vaccine scam, which offers people a jab in exchange for money.

Convincing-looking hoax text messages claiming to be from the NHS are being sent falsely telling people they are eligible for a Covid-19 jab and encouraging them to apply - before asking for personal information, including bank details.

There have also been reports of scammers phoning people directly pretending to be from the health service or a local pharmacy in a bid to extort cash.

Local residents are reminded that they will be contacted directly by their GP or the health board when it’s time to go for their jab.