avoid Covid-19 vaccine scams

three ways to avoid covid-19 scams

While vaccination details are getting worked out, here's what you can be sure of:

• You can't pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.  That's a scam.
• You can't pay to get early access to the vaccine.  That's a scam.
• Legitimate callers will NOT call about the vaccine nor ask for your social security, bank account, or credit card number.  That's a scam.

Ignore any vaccine offers that say different, or ask for personal or financial information.

Learn more at:

• ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams
• consumerresources.org/beware-coronavirus-scams

Beware of Ongoing Scams

Police throughout the Tri-Valley have been getting calls from residents about various scams going on. Many of these scams target seniors. 

Some of these include:

1. Contacting victims and offering a ‘special coronavirus test.’ Some charge a fee, while others seek personal information such as social security number or medicare ID.

2. In a similar vein, scammers are attempting to ‘sell’ reservations for a coronavirus vaccine.

3. Victims are reporting getting emails or texts from services such as Netflix or Amazon stating that they have made a purchase and should click on a link to cancel the order.

These are only a few that have been reported. The main takeaways are that no agency will be requiring Social Security numbers or Medicaid numbers to provide service. Additionally, no legitimate service would be soliciting for reservations for the vaccine. If it seems off or sketchy, do not follow through. Contact the police and ask questions.