A fraudster who claims to work for the British National Health Service injected a 92-year-old woman with a fake COVID-19 vaccine – charging her about $ 218, according to a new report.
The man showed up at the door of the 100-year-old in Surbiton, south-west London, on December 30, claiming he was from the NHS and was there to administer the vaccine, Metro UK reported.
The unsuspecting senior let him in, then hit her in the arm with an “arrow tool,” police said, according to the report.
He allegedly charged her £ 160 – about $ 218, for the fake vaccine, which he claimed would be reimbursed by the NHS.
City of London police told the media it was unclear what substance was given, if any, but the woman, who was checked at a local hospital, did not appear to be ill.
“This is a disgusting and totally unacceptable attack on a member of the public who will not be tolerated,” Detective Inspector Kevin Ives said, according to Metro. “We appeal to anyone who may have information that could help us identify this person to get in touch. It is essential to catch him as soon as possible, because not only does it defraud money, but it can endanger people’s lives. “
The suspect reportedly appeared at the woman’s home again on Monday, demanding another £ 100, around $ 136.
Surveillance images captured that day show him wearing a navy blue tracksuit with white stripes on the side.
Police say the man, who speaks with a London accent, is 30 years old, around 5 feet-9, with a medium build and light brown hair.