As if it had not yet been difficult enough to get a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, criminals began to capitalize on the confusion of consumers with a disturbing new avalanche of scams.
Fraud scams contain scam sites designed to look like those of vaccine manufacturers like Moderna (MRNA) and Pfizer (PFE) who steal your personal information. Others give false promises of early access to vaccinations, sometimes in the form of home deliveries.
This week, President Joe Biden said that by the end of May, the US will have enough vaccine for every American adult – but fraudsters will meanwhile take the opportunity to exploit the deployment, as people try to vaccinate as soon as possible. So, what is the best way to avoid becoming a victim? The most important thing to remember if you never have to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Scams that allow you to pay for the vaccine
While scammers are trying to trick people into paying for the vaccine, the reality is that the federal government is already paying for vaccinations for everyone living in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the only amount involved in the vaccine is the administration fee your vaccine administrator may charge your insurance provider. However, you do not have to pay anyone.
If you did buy a vaccine online and received something by mail, do not use it. There is no saying what the substance might actually be.
Schemes in which you should be asked to be on a waiting list for vaccinations
Getting a vaccine appointment is a pain. States and cities are struggling to cope with the influx of people trying to gain access to a limited number of vaccines, pushing websites to the brink and in some cases causing cancellations. No place in the United States still asks you to make an appointment.
And while it’s tempting, it’s nothing more than scams to make appointments through third-party services that promise to get a vaccine in the arm by bypassing government or pharmacy websites. Avoid them.
The best way to make an appointment is to access your local health council’s website and look for available appointments. You can also call your health council if your internet connection is not strong or reliable enough to stay online for long periods of time.
Promise to perform tests before getting a vaccine
If you are going for a COVID vaccine, you are just there to get a chance. If you receive an email, SMS or phone call asking you to pay ahead of time to take a COVID test, it is a scam. According to the FBI, criminals use just such a way to steal money from ignorant victims.
You will not need a test to get your COVID vaccine. If someone other than your doctor tells you this is your scam.
Fraudulent sites that promise cash vaccines
Like any online scam, fake websites have proven to be a problem for Americans seeking COVID vaccinations. A specific scheme taken by federal authorities from Maryland was the proposal for Modernatx.com. To mislead the victims, the website, which stole the look and feel of the actual Moderna website, used the URL Modernatx.shop and promised to deliver vaccines to the victims’ homes.
Authorities have so far disrupted at least three other such fake websites out of Maryland.
Tips to keep in mind
In general, it is best to always be skeptical about anything that seems too good to be true. It is difficult to address vaccinations because more people are eligible, and it is unlikely to change in the immediate future.
It is said that there is no service that will sell you a vaccine, plan you for a fee or ask you to pay for tests before you get the chance. All these are scams. Only seek advice from local, state or federal websites to stay safe.
And remember, wear that mask.
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