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.
Tip: 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 (www.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.
For more information, visit the FBI website.