Official warns about COVID vaccine scams

The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office has issued a warning about COVID-19 vaccine scams and offered tips to avoid becoming a victim.

“As the COVID-19 vaccine is administered to Pennsylvanians, we believe scammers will begin working overtime to take advantage of consumers and attempt to steal your personal information and your money,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “Pennsylvanians should remain on guard and report any scams to my office. We are here to help.”

The AG’s office alerted residents of these COVID-19 scams:

• As the vaccine rollout expands in Pennsylvania, scammers are looking to take advantage of consumers by trying to steal their insurance information, money or both. Any call claiming that you can cut in line to get the vaccine by paying out of pocket is a scam and should be reported to the attorney general’s office.

• Scammers will claim the vaccine costs are covered by insurance, but they need additional information to process the shipment. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance company, hang up and call the number on the back of your medical insurance or prescription card to confirm if it is legitimate.

• Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately. Always be wary of any unsolicited offers that require you to provide your insurance or doctor’s information.

Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should file a complaint with the office at https:// bit.ly/3hQ8G9I

The office will investigate those reports and prosecute if warranted, Shapiro said.

Other resources regarding COVID-19 scams:

• FCC website for available resources: https:// www.fcc.gov/

• FCC website for COVID-19 scams: https://www. fcc.gov/covid-scams

• FTC website for Financial impact due to COVID: https://bit.ly/2L3goBD