“These crooks are smart, and especially in a time when we feel vulnerable,” said one official. Here’s how you can protect yourself from vaccine scams.
As many seniors in Maryland struggle to sign up for vaccinations online, Montgomery County, Maryland, says there is an increase in scams.
“These crooks are smart, and especially at a time when we feel vulnerable,” said Eric Friedman, director of the Montgomery County Consumer Protection Office.
Scams have been rampant throughout the pandemic, but Friedman said he sees numerous phishing scams targeting seniors who want to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine, and he has advice on the targets.
Watch out for ads on social media or email to ask for payment to get a place on a vaccine waiting list or to make an appointment.
“You never have to pay money to get a test or a vaccine,” Friedman said.
Scammers have developed a way to develop some of the pre-registration systems put in place by local governments, healthcare systems and private pharmacies. The misleading emails want to mislead consumers into providing their social security numbers, credit card information or banking information, the country said in a video statement.
‘We realize that scammers want to take advantage of news events and cause financial damage to consumers and businesses. In addition, in addition to information on vaccines and tests, we must also issue warnings to prevent residents from becoming the targets and victims of scams related to COVID-19 that could cause financial damage, “said Marc Elrich, provincial governor, in a statement. statement said.
If a consumer doubts whether a supply or contact with a vaccine is legal, Friedman’s office recommends calling 311 to check it.
“We wear a mask to protect ourselves. So we need to protect ourselves when we are on our computers too. “Just as they tell us to wash our hands for 20 seconds, look at the email for 20 seconds,” Friedman said.
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