SCAM ALERT: How to Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Scammers are always looking for innovative ways to steal your money and information and are capitalizing off of the Covid-19 vaccine. A handful of members have alerted us of scam emails that they have received so it is imperative that you are cautious because you could be next.

Any telephonic or email representation that a COVID-19 vaccination can be provided quickly in exchange for money or personal identifiable information is a scam.

For New Hampshire residents, your most reliable COVID-19 vaccine information can be found here on the NH Department of Justice Vaccine Information/COVID Dashboard.

Image Source: NHDOJ 

What are Scammers' Tactics?

Scammers are using are emails, text messages and phone calls to conduct their business. According to CNET, scammers may claim that they work for a vaccine center, pharmacy or insurance company. Other scams include fake appointments, fees to ship a vaccine, fees to get a vaccine, and ads from unofficial sources. Like all other scams it is important to be cautious with regard to unknown numbers and emails. New Hampshire residents should get all of their information from the New Hampshire Covid Dashboard.

Not a NH resident? Select your state on the CDC website here to find your most reliable resource.

 

According to the FBI, these are the most important indicators of fraudulent activity when you think you have encountered a COVID-19 vaccine scam:

• Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
• Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
• Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine
• Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee
• Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine
• Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified
• Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources
• Individuals contacting you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

It is important to stay vigilant during these times. Be sure to cover all of your bases to keep your information and money safe. If you think that you have encountered a scam or something that is too good to be true it is best to do your research to stay safe.

Call 2-1-1 for information about the vaccine or call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline to report any suspected scam calls or emails:

• Phone: 1-888-468-4454
• Email: DOJ-CPB@doj.nh.gov