Ways to Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

During times of uncertainty, criminals will try to take advantage of the unknown. They prey on any fear and spread misinformation, especially during a pandemic. Scammers will attempt a number of tactics, like claiming to have a miracle cure, or disguising himself or herself as a contact tracer.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are four facts in which you can be sure about the COVID-19 vaccine:

1. No one legitimate will contact you for your Social Security number, bank account information, debit or credit card numbers, or PIN numbers.

2. You can’t pay to have your name on a list to receive the vaccine.

3. You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine.

4. Beware of third-party providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the coronavirus. Check with your healthcare provider before receiving any treatment related to COVID-19.

If you receive a phone call, text message, social media advertisement, or email claiming you can get early access to the vaccine, do not respond, click any links, or provide any sort of medical or financial information. Do not pay any money, or give out any personal information. Instead, end the communication as soon as possible, and file any necessary reports. The best way to get information about the COVID-19 vaccine is to contact your primary healthcare provider.

• If you feel as though you may have fallen victim to a scam, we recommend to report the incident, by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s Report Fraud webpage or file a complaint on the National Association of Attorneys General website.
• For more information about coronavirus scams, you can visit ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams or consumerresources.org/beware-coronavirus-scams

Sources:

1. COVID-19 vaccines are in the pipeline. Scammers won't be far behind, FTC
2. Coronavirus Advice for Consumers, FTC
3. With People Getting COVID-19 Vaccine, Officials Warn That Scams are Next, AARP