Watch Out for COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

In the quest to get a COVID-19 vaccine, it could be easy to fall prey to a vaccine-related scam. Don’t become a victim.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDAC) warned in January of possible vaccine scams. “As the COVID vaccine becomes available, scammers are using this to take advantage,” Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a press release. 

Here are a few red flags from the FDACS to make sure you or your loved ones are not falling for false COVID-19 vaccine information:

1. Stick to fact-based sources.

There’s so much information out there nowadays, it can be easy to click on a link in Facebook or follow a website where you think you’re getting truthful vaccine information. Instead, stick to trustworthy, fact-based resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, your local county Department of Health office, or information from your physician.

2. Ignore the door-knockers (and texters, callers, etc.).

If someone contacts you unsolicited about the vaccine, do not share any personal information with them. Vaccine distributors and insurance companies will not ask you for your Social Security number, personal credit card, or bank information.

3. Watch out for those so-called special offers.

Do not respond to offers that say they can get you on the waiting list, get you moved up on the list for a vaccine or any requests for payment or personal information to gain vaccine access. “These are some of the biggest scam concerns at this time,” according to the FDACS press release. “Offers involving any form of payment to gain access to a vaccine may lead to receipt of a fake vaccine.”

4. Don’t buy the vaccine off of the internet.

It is not for sale there. If you have questions about whether a vaccine offer is legitimate, ask your doctor for guidance. “Anyone offering to ship a vaccine to your home or provide special access to clinical trials is scamming you,” according to FDACS.

5. Know the costs involved with the vaccine.

The vaccine doses are available at no extra cost to you, but health care providers may charge an administration fee and have that fee reimbursed by insurance companies.

Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care Management

At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

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