New Jersey law enforcement officials said now that a COVID-19 vaccine has been approved and is beginning to be administered, they are warning people about potential vaccine scams.
“A lot of people, especially those in high-risk groups, are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with the news of an approved vaccine, and that excitement could make them susceptible to scams,” said Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer. “We know many families want their loved ones to get the vaccine as soon as possible, but please make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure what you’re signing up for is legitimate.”
Some of the scams already being recorded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General are payment schemes to allegedly boost a person’s place in line for the vaccine, telemarketer calls, Medicare fraud, and identity theft.
Detectives said government agencies will not call you to ask for money to secure your spot, ask for personal identifying information, or offer vaccines by going door-to-door.
There are currently a limited number of vaccines available that are being distributed to healthcare facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. For questions about the vaccine and its availability, contact your doctor or local health department.
For more information on vaccine scams, visit http://aarp.org/.../info-2020/coronavirus-vaccine-scams.html.