Beware of Illegitimate COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

As the COVID-19 vaccine enters the early stages of public distribution, experts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are advising people to remain alert towards potential scammers who will try to take advantage of the demand to receive the vaccine.

Knowing how to protect yourself and your family members from these scammers is incredibly important. Luckily, these scammers and their scheme are easy to spot if you know what to look out for.

To help prevent falling victim to a vaccine related scam, here is what you need to know:

• Anyone asking for money in return for the vaccine is a likely scammer. You will most likely never have to pay to receive the vaccine.

• Anyone offering to put your name on a “list” to get the vaccine first in exchange for money is a scammer. No such lists exist or will ever exist.
• Anyone asking you to pay for an early vaccine is a scammer. If you have questions about receiving the vaccine, please call your designated medical provider.
• Anyone calling to ask for your SSN, credit card info, or bank account numbers to sign you up for the vaccine is a scammer. Vaccine distribution sites or private insurance companies will not call and ask for this info in exchange for the vaccine
• Anyone offering alternative products, treatments, or medicines for the virus is scammer. Check with your medical provider before seeking any kind of treatment or prevention for COVID-19.
• Do not answer any calls, texts, emails, or knocks on the front door inquiring about early access to the vaccine.

Vaccine distribution will be handled state-to-state, not by private individuals asking for personal information. If you suspect that someone is attempting to scam you, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ or file a complaint with the National Association of Attorneys General at https://www.consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint/ .

To read more about ways to prevent Covid-19 vaccine scams, please click the link below.