HARTFORD, Conn — Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong are warning residents against a new scam surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Office of the Attorney General and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection said fraudsters, posing as COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer sent consumers a “COVID-19 survey” offering rewards for their opinions about the vaccine.
To obtain the so-called reward, consumers are required to provide their credit card information, supposedly for “shipping purposes.” State officials are warning residents not to be fooled – this is a scam that is designed to rip people off for money.
"Anybody can be the victim of a scam. I think there's a misconception out there that scammers might target vulnerable populations or older populations but it's really not true. They will target anybody they think they might be able to take advantage of," said Kaitlyn Krasselt, spokesperson for the Dept. of Consumer Protection.
"As more people become eligible for the vaccine don't give out your social security number, nobody from a legitimate vaccine site
will ask for that. You don't have to pay for the vaccine, don't give out your credit card information," added Krasslet.
In another scheme, fraudsters reportedly send a letter impersonating the governor’s office that suggests the vaccines are dangerous and directing consumers to a website that attempts to capitalize on people’s fears and is yet another way for bad actors to scam people out of information and money.
Finally, the governor's office said that there have been recent reports of scammers who pose as vaccinators and ask for sensitive information, such as social security numbers and bank information.
Consumers will never be asked for this information to receive the vaccine.
State officials are offering the following tips for consumers to protect themselves against vaccine-related scams:
- Do not pay anything to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, do not trust promotional offers related to the vaccine. Those who have specific questions can check with their state or local health departments or with their healthcare providers.
- Ignore sales ads related to the vaccine. The vaccine cannot be bought anywhere. It is only available at federal and state-approved locations and is being offered at no cost to anyone.
- Beware of unsolicited emails or texts concerning the vaccine, including offers of rewards or payments. While some people may receive emails or texts from their healthcare providers or authorized vaccine providers, those contacts only come after they have signed up for them. If you receive a contact that seems suspicious, consumers can contact their healthcare or vaccine provider.
- Do not share personal, financial, or health information with unfamiliar people. Nobody from a vaccine distribution site, healthcare provider, pharmacy, or health care payer alike a private insurance company or Medicare will call, text, or email consumers asking for their Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account number in connection with the vaccine.
If anyone becomes aware of a vaccine-related scam or believes they may be the victim of a scam, they should file a complaint with state and local authorities using the following methods:
- Suspicious activities related to vaccine distribution practices or concerns for public health should be reported to local law enforcement or local public health officials.
- Suspected fraud or business-related scams can be reported to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection by visiting ct.gov/DCP or sending an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov.
- If anyone believes they have been the victim of a scam or have been contacted by a scammer, they should contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318 or attorney.general@ct.gov.
For the most up-to-date information about where, when, and how to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Connecticut, visit the state’s website at ct.gov/covidvaccine.
General information about the vaccine is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
--
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.