COVID-19 vaccination scams awareness

PURCELLVILLE, Va., December 30, 2020 – While many people are eager to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the Purcellville Police Department would like to warn the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to these vaccines.  The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has recently received an increase in complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information and money through various schemes.  Please review the tips below from the FBI to help ensure you don’t fall victim to a vaccination scam.

 The public should be aware of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity:

• 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.

Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud:

• Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels.
• Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
• Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination.
• Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
• Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.
• Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals.

If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS).