The COVID-19 vaccines rollout has started globally to protect people against the coronavirus and combat the pandemic that has so fiercely disrupted our lives. However, with the largest vaccination program off to a successful start, authorities are warning that COVID-19 scams are next. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Americans who want to get the coronavirus vaccine should be on the lookout for scammers trying to capitalize on the situation. Let’s take a look at some of their methods and what you can do to avoid becoming one of their victims.
Phishing scams
Given that the first Covid-19 vaccines are distributed to health care personnel and long-term care facilities, the HHS has issued warnings regarding phishing scams and scam phone calls and alerted that fraudsters promise early access to the vaccine in exchange for people giving their Social Security Number.
“If you’re receiving unsolicited offers for a vaccine — not one, not two, but about 10 red flags should go up,” warned Nenette Day, assistant special agent in charge at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “There is no way that you under any circumstance should deal with anybody except a known and reputable medical provider or pharmacy,” said Day.
