Man charged with administering fake £160 Covid vaccine to elderly woman

David Chambers alleged to have charged woman £160 before returning to ask for another £100

Police issued a statement reminding the public that coronavirus vaccines are only available in the UK via the NHS (PA)

A man has been charged with administering a fake Covid vaccine to an elderly woman in her home and charging her £160.

David Chambers, 33, from Surbiton in southwest London, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of fraud by false representation, one count of common assault, and two breaches of Covid regulations.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 12 February.

His 92-year-old alleged victim is said to have allowed him into her home in Surbiton on the afternoon of 30 December after Mr Chambers allegedly said he was there to administer the Covid vaccine.

He is alleged to have charged her £160 before returning on 4 January to ask for another £100.

City of London Police, who dealt with the case, issued a statement reminding the public that coronavirus vaccines are only available via the NHS.

“You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine,” the statement said.

“Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay. The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.

“If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.”