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6 Ways to Identify a Possible COVID-19 Vaccine Scam
January 15, 2021
A lot of Connecticut residents want a COVID-19 vaccine and scam artists know it. State officials are now warning of possible vaccine-related scams and how to identify them.
“This is a crucial time for Connecticut’s response efforts and I am happy that we are among the states leading the nation in our vaccination efforts,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “But I know where there is success, scams can follow, and we can’t let bad actors interfere with our efforts to ensure our residents are healthy, and we bounce back from this pandemic strong. I encourage anyone who sees suspicious behavior or signs of a scam to report it.”
How to Identify a Possible Scam
Scammers might:
- Ask for your Social Security number or bank information.
- Offer early access to the vaccine for a fee.
- Require health insurance information when receiving the vaccine. (A patient might be asked for this information, but it’s not required for a vaccine.)
- Ask to put your name on a list to receive a vaccine. (Only your doctor’s office or healthcare system might do this.)
- Mimic a legitimate business or organization related to the distribution of the vaccine. Instead, this could be scammers seeking to steal your personal or financial information. Make sure vaccine-related emails are from a legitimate source. If you have any doubts, do not click on links or open attachments.
- Offer a miracle cure, treatment or medication. For now, there are two available vaccines and limited treatments.
What You Can Do if You Suspect a Vaccine-Related Scam
Report suspected fraud or vaccine-related scam to state and local authorities:
- Department of Consumer Protection: Click here or email dcp.complaints@ct.gov.
- Contact your town’s law enforcement or public health officials.
To learn more about the vaccine, click here.