With the United States approving several COVID-19 vaccines, government officials expect scams to emerge as distribution begins. Watch out for everything from phony treatments to phishing messages. What to Expect from Scammers: Government officials have al-ready been cracking down on phony COVID testing kits and treatments.
Shelley Polansky
Now, they are ramping up efforts to prevent the sale of fake vaccines. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working with the drug companies developing the vaccines to stop the sale and distribution of phony versions. Also, the Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters to several companies claiming they had a product to cure or prevent the virus.
Selling fake vaccines and other treatments is likely only one of many ways scammers will try to cash in on the vaccine release. Watch out for phishing messages attempting to trick you into sharing your passwords and personal information. Con artists have already impersonated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in phishing emails that claim to have news about the disease. BBB has also seen an increase in scams using robocalls to impersonate government officials.
How to Spot a Coronavirus Vaccine Con:
• Research carefully: Scammers are very creative, so be skeptical of anything that seems too good – or crazy – to be true. Double-check any information about the vaccine with official news sources.
• Check with your doctor: If you want a vaccine early, reach out to your healthcare provider about your options.
• Ignore calls for immediate action. While you may want to be first in line for the vaccine, don’t let that sense of urgency cloud your judgment. Scammers try to get you to act before you think. Don’t fall for it.
For More Information: Read more about coronavirus scams on the Federal Trade Commission’s Website. Learn more about the disease at the CDC’s FAQ Webpage. Also, the FDA is updating this page about its progress in developing a treatment for coronavirus. Also visit Our BBB Website for more information.
Article by Shelley Polansky, President & CEO, BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming