Don't Be Fooled By Vaccine Scams

In the past CSEA has warned Council 400 about Social Security and stimulus check scams, but now we regret to have to warn you about COVID-19 vaccine scams.

There are only a limited number of federally approved vaccines and treatments. As of 1/16/21 there are only two available and approved by the US FDA – Pfizer-BioNTech’s  and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Do not fall for any scammers offering “miracle cure” treatments or medication to prevent or cure the virus. Furthermore, be sure to review the below advice from the CT Department of Consumer Protections:

  • No one from a legitimate vaccine distribution site will ever ask for your Social Security number or bank information in order to receive a vaccine.
  • You will never have to pay to get early access to the vaccine.
  • While you may be asked to provide health insurance information when you receive the vaccine, you do not need health insurance to receive the vaccine. 
  • You will never be asked to pay to put your name on a list to receive the vaccine.

Scammers may look like a legitimate business or organization online in an effort to take any of this secure information- don’t fall for it! Maksure sure that the emails you receive (like this one) come from a known and trusted organization and before clicking any links or opening any attachments make sure the email looks “right”. 

  • Is the email address from the correct domain? Does it contain any spelling errors?
  • Does the email ask for sensitive information that you would normally never provide?
  • Is it poorly written? Does it contain grammatical mistakes?
  • Is there a suspicious attachment? When you hover your mouse over any links, does the web address lead you to where you expected?
  • Is the message designed to make you panic?

If you become aware of a vaccine-related scam or believe you or someone you love may be the victim of a scam, you should file a complaint with state and local authorities. Suspected fraud or business-related scams can be reported to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection by visiting ct.gov/DCP or sending an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov. Suspicious activities related to vaccine distribution practices or concerns for public health can be reported to local law enforcement or local public health officials.