Covid-19 Vaccine Scam Going Around

Vaccine passports – digital records of an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status – are on their way. 

 

But as with any major new initiative, scammers always find ways to take advantage of the confusion and anxiety surrounding the change.

 

That’s why the Better Business Bureau is telling people to be on the lookout for vaccine passport cons. 

 

Here’s what to watch out for:

 

First, be skeptical of any vaccine passport app the claims to be from the U.S. federal government. 

 

Right now, the U.S. federal government has no plans to create a national vaccine passport. 

 

Email, calls, text messages that claim the government is requiring such a passport are likely scams.

 

Research carefully. 

 

If you receive an invitation to download a COVID-19 vaccine passport app, be sure to do your research before entering your personal information. 

 

Scammers are very creative, so be skeptical of anything that seems too good – or crazy – to be true. 

 

Double check any information against official news sources and company websites.

 

Guard your government-issued numbers. Never offer your Medicare ID number, Social Security number, health plan information, or banking information to anyone you don’t know or trust. Don’t post your vaccine card on social media. 

 

The BBB has identified many ways in which scammers are cashing in the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

You can learn more about fake vaccine surveys, vaccine scams, contract tracing cons, and government agency imposters by going to the Better Business Bureau web site at bbb.org.

 

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.