February 9, 2021 – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Reports to the organization about cons ranging from phishing for personal information to asking for payment to secure a better place in line have been streaming in.
“The con artists, they have really started using phone calls, social media message, or email, basically saying that you’re eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “The confusion is fueling this for the scammers. Consumers know they can get it. They know they can’t easily get it, so they’re trying to find different ways.”
The conditions of the initial timeline of eligibility mean that those who are most vulnerable tend to be the targets of the scammers.
“We’re seeing a lot of these victims are the elderly because they’re the ones that can get it now,” Bernas said. “I talked to a consumer a few days ago and he said to me, ‘I’d do anything to get the vaccine. If they called me in the middle of the night and told me to drive 300 miles, I would do that.’ That’s what the scammer preys on. It’s like a dream come true for the scammer.”
Bernas says consumers have reported that their Caller ID has indicted the call is coming from the department of health or local officials, which turns out not to be true.
“These scammers know how to change the Caller ID,” Bernas said. “They can make it say anything they want and any number where it’s coming from. So you gotta be very, very vigilant on that.”
The organization says there are some ways to be tipped off that something isn’t on the level.
“Anybody telling you they can do something better for you,” Bernas said. “Saying they’ll get you faster in line or can get it to you sooner, anything like that. That too-good-to-be-true mentality.”
The BBB advises consumers to have knowledge of their region’s plan for rolling out the vaccines and to consult local officials, if needed.
“It is the best to go directly to the health department of your local city or municipality,” Bernas said. “Ask the question to them and see what lists you can go on to. Deal with
your health department and deal with your local doctor.”
In addition, scammers marketing fake vaccines also have been reported to the BBB.
If you suspect you could be the victim of a scam, you’re asked to report the
circumstances to bbb.org.
BBB Warns of Continued COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
Feb 9, 2021 | 2:08 PM
