Watch Out for Vaccine-Related Phishing and Scams

Cybercriminals are using the coronavirus pandemic to develop new phishing and identity-theft scams. Several federal agencies recently warned that scammers are preying on people's interest in COVID-19 vaccines to steal money or personal information.

Here are some things to watch out for:

Advertisements or offers that ask you to pay for early access to a vaccine or to pay to put your name on a vaccine waiting list.
Offers to undergo additional medical testing when obtaining a vaccine.
Unsolicited contact (emails, phone calls, mail) claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or vaccine center requesting your personal/medical information to determine if you are eligible for a vaccine.
Advertisements for the vaccine through social media platforms.
Claims that the government is requiring you to get the vaccine.

Here are some things that you and your loved ones can do:

Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about vaccine distribution.
Do not share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
Check your insurance explanation of benefits for any suspicious claims.
Follow guidance and recommendations from the CDC and other trusted medical professionals.