Cashing in on Fear: US Scammers Spread Misinformation About COVID-19 Vaccine

The recently approved Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine is slowly spreading across the United States. But those looking forward to their turn should beware of dangerous fraud and misinformation about vaccine distribution. The edition told in more detail CNN.

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Several government organizations have warned of scammers promising access to vaccines in exchange for sensitive personal information, as well as companies selling fake drugs promising to cure or prevent COVID-19.

“The FBI has received complaints of scammers exploiting public interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personal information and funds through a variety of schemes,” the FBI said in a statement.

The bureau said it plans to remain vigilant as "scammers continue to use the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain."

Meanwhile, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working to end the sale of unapproved drugs for COVID-19, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sent warning letters to seven companies selling products with "scientifically unsubstantiated claims" that they can cure those infected.

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“Selling counterfeit vaccines and other treatments is likely just one of many ways scammers will try to profit from the vaccine,” the Better Business Bureau warns in a press release. “Beware of messages that try to trick you into sharing your passwords and personal information.”

What people can do to stay safe

Where there is interest and uncertainty, fraud is inevitable. The pandemic is a perfect example of this.

“It’s definitely not surprising,” said Catherine Hutt, national spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). “In fact, a couple of weeks ago, as soon as it became clear that the vaccine was going to be released, we started warning people about possible scams.”

The BBB has a list of guidelines for people to identify these scams. These include checking information with a doctor, ignoring any call for "immediate action", and rechecking any information.

Despite the fact that 2,9 million doses of vaccine have arrived in the United States, this is far from the amount needed for mass distribution, especially since each person will need two doses. Moreover, select groups such as health care workers and people in nursing homes will have priority over others.

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“Because we know that not everyone will be able to get their dose right away, there is also a shortage issue,” Hutt said. - Scammers will try to get you to make a decision on the spot, they will tell you if you don't take action today you will lose the opportunity to get your dose. You will be asked to make a decision before you have had time to think about it.”

Pandemic scam is nothing new

While vaccine news will inevitably lead to new scams, pandemic-related schemes have already become a problem.

Since the start of the pandemic, the FTC has received over 20 complaints about text messages and automated calls offering test kits, fake treatments, and assistance in relation to the pandemic.

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Hutt notes that scammers often cling to what people pay attention to.

“We know that scammers are really good at paying attention to what people are talking about in the news or pop culture,” she says. “Fraudsters adapt to the situation in the world.”

Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself from such schemes is to stay up to date with the news.

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