The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Reports to the organization about cons ranging from phishing for personal information to asking for payment to secure a better place in line have been streaming in.
“The con artists, they have really started using phone calls, social media message, or email, basically saying that you’re eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. “The confusion is fueling this for the scammers. Consumers know they can get it. They know they can’t easily get it, so they’re trying to find different ways.”
The conditions of the initial timeline of eligibility mean that those who are most vulnerable tend to be the targets of the scammers. Bernas says consumers have reported that their Caller ID has indicted the call is coming from the department of health or local officials, which turns out not to be true. The BBB advises consumers to have knowledge of their region’s plan for rolling out the vaccines and to consult local officials, if needed. In addition, scammers marketing fake vaccines also have been reported to the BBB. If you suspect you could be the victim of a scam, you’re asked to report the circumstances to bbb.org.
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