FTC Issues Consumer Tips to Avoid COVID-19 Scams

On 12/8/2020, the Federal Trade Commission issued a “consumer education blog post” which provides tips for consumers on how to recognize and avoid vaccine-related scams. In their blog post, the FTC warns that, with COVID-19 vaccines in the pipeline, scammers will not be far behind. Therefore, consumers should look out for red flags of potential scams.

The post notes that:

  1. reports about the release of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. by the end of the year are promising, but distribution plans are still being worked out;

  2. while we wait for a timeline and more information, people need to be wary of pitchmen claiming to have vaccine doses for sale; and

  3. for most people living in the U.S., state agencies—not individuals—will be responsible for implementing vaccine distribution plans.

The post includes a graphic that highlights key consumer tips and provides a list of things consumer should know to avoid a vaccine-related scam, including the following:

You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.

  • You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.

  • You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine.

  • No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.

  • Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.

The full blog post can be found here.

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