Several government agencies have warned against scammers promising access to the vaccine in exchange for sensitive personal information, as well as companies selling bogus treatments promising to cure or block Covid-19.
“The FBI has received complaints from scammers using public interest in Covid-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information and money through various schemes,” the FBI wrote in a statement to CNN.
The bureau told CNN it plans to remain vigilant because “scammers continue to exploit the COVID-19 epidemic for personal gain.”
What can people do to stay safe
Where there is interest and uncertainty there are bound to be scams. The epidemic is a prime example.
“It’s definitely not surprising,” Catherine Hutte, the BBB’s national spokeswoman, told CNN. “As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago, as if the vaccine was coming out, we started warning people about these scams.”
“Because we know not everyone will get it right away, there’s also the issue of scarcity,” Hatte said. “[Scammers] They will try to make a decision on the spot, they will tell you that if you do not take action today you will miss the opportunity. You will be asked to make a decision before you have time to think about it. ”
The epidemic scandal is nothing new
While news of vaccines inevitably leads to new scandals, plans for a horrific epidemic have already become a problem.
Hutt points out that scammers will always hang on to anything that is newsworthy.
“We know that scammers are really good at paying attention to the news or pop culture on whatever people are talking about,” he said. “With the Affordable Care Act, we’ve seen a lot of scams related to that – people asking for information, or Claims that they will lose their insurance if they do not provide that information now. [Scams] Very topical based on what is going on in the world. ”
Ultimately, the best way to inoculate yourself against such predatory schemes is to be aware.
.
