AG HEALEY ISSUES UPDATED ADVISORY TO WARN RESIDENTS ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS
New
Scams are Cropping Up as More Massachusetts Residents Receive the Vaccine
BOSTON – As more Massachusetts residents receive and become eligible to
get the COVID-19 vaccine, Attorney General Maura Healey is issuing an updated
advisory to residents about potential scams and misinformation intended to
exploit the pandemic, while reminding residents to have confidence in the
vaccination process.
The AG’s Office
has received reports about people getting spam or scam emails or texts after
they’ve received vaccines or registered for vaccines through legitimate
websites. While there have been no reported breaches of patient information
from legitimate vaccine websites, the AG’s Office urges people to remain
cautious about vaccine scams.
Many of these vaccine scams involve people who’ve registered for or received
the vaccine who then get spam or scam emails or text congratulating them on
their appointment or vaccination and asking them to click a link to claim a
prize of some kind. The timing is likely coincidental now that more than
two million Massachusetts residents have received at least one dose of the
vaccine. People should still follow the following advice:
- Be Cautious: Don’t
respond to or click on links from a person or company you do not know,
especially if it asks for personal or financial information. Many of these
are phishing attempts. Instead, contact the person or company directly
using a phone number or website you know is real. Never provide personal
information, including passwords, bank account details, or your Social
Security number via email or text to an unverified source.
- Be Wary of Requests for Payment: Be wary of any unsolicited offers that require
you to provide credit card or bank account information or ask for payment
or a deposit in exchange for early or expediated access to vaccines. You
cannot pay to jump the line and Massachusetts residents do not have to pay
out of pocket for the vaccine.
- Disinformation Campaigns: AG Healey urged Facebook and Twitter to take stronger measures to stop
the spread of dangerous anti-vaxxer disinformation on their social media
platforms. Online campaigns with a range of disinformation have
flourished, sparking fear and distrust about vaccines. To prevent the
spread of misinformation, don’t forward or share these false
messages. Instead, for accurate information, consult with reputable
sources including your doctor, trusted community leaders, the CDC,
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and your city or town
board of health.
- Report Spam or Scams:
General spam emails (emails without any of your personal information)
should be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). If
you have reason to think that your personal information has been
compromised, contact the AG’s Office at ago@mass.gov.
For more
information and guidance on COVID-related email scams and phone scams, see the
AG’s December 2020
vaccine scam advisory.
To
avoid fraud, the AG’s Office advises that residents follow guidance and
recommendations from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, visit the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health’s website for up-to-date
information about authorized vaccine distribution in Massachusetts, and never
share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and
trusted medical professionals. The AG’s Office also recommends the Federal Trade
Commission’s guidance on avoiding COVID-19 vaccine
scams.
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