How Low Can They Go? CT Warns Of Coronavirus Vaccine Scams

CONNECTICUT — State officials are warning residents not to be fooled by coronavirus vaccine-related scams designed to rip people off for money.

According to the Office of the Attorney General and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, fraudsters posing as COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer, sent consumers a "COVID-19 survey" offering rewards for their opinions about the vaccine. To obtain their "reward," the consumers are required to provide their credit card information for "shipping purposes."

"While some people may receive emails or texts from their healthcare providers or authorized vaccine providers, those contacts only come after they have signed up for them," state officials warned in a news release. "If you receive a contact that seems suspicious, consumers can contact their healthcare or vaccine provider."

In a second scheme, the scammers send a letter, purportedly from the Office of the Governor, suggesting that the vaccines are dangerous. The reader is then directed to a website that attempts to scam them out of information and money.

"We can't let scam artists stand in anyone’s way when it comes to getting the vaccine,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. "The truth is the vaccine is safe. The public health officials I trust have communicated that to all of us, and if I wasn’t sure of the vaccine's safety, I wouldn't have taken it myself. Please, remember that if something seems like misinformation, it probably is, and you can always get the most updated facts on our website, and from you trusted community leaders."

Finally, state officials are warning of scammers who pose as vaccinators and ask for sensitive information, such as social security numbers and bank information. Officials caution consumers not to share personal, financial, or health information with unfamiliar people. Nobody from a vaccine distribution site, healthcare provider, pharmacy, or health care payer a like a private insurance company or Medicare will call, text, or email consumers asking for their Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account number in connection with the vaccine.

Getting vaccinated is important, but "it’s also an open door for scammers to take advantage of widespread confusion and anxiety,” Attorney General Tong said. "If you get an unsolicited message offering rewards or payments related to the vaccine, ignore them and report it to state and local authorities."

Tong's Office is warning residents to never pay anything to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine, and not to trust promotional offers related to it. Consumers should also ignore sales ads related to the vaccine, as it cannot be bought anywhere. It is only available at federal and state-approved locations, and is being offered at no cost to anyone.

"The prevalence of these scams should not discourage consumers from getting vaccinated,” Connecticut Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said. "But consumers should keep their guard up, protect their personal information, and take steps to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. Consumers also play an important role in preventing scams by reporting suspicious behavior."

If anyone becomes aware of a vaccine-related scam or believes they may be the victim of a scam, they should file a complaint with state and local authorities using the following methods:

• Suspicious activities related to vaccine distribution practices or concerns for public health should be reported to local law enforcement or local public health officials.
• Suspected fraud or business-related scams can be reported to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection online here or sending an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov.
• If anyone believes they have been the victim of a scam or have been contacted by a scammer, they should contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318 or attorney.general@ct.gov.

"It’s important that people know these vaccines have been tested, are safe, and are highly effective in protecting you from hospitalization, severe illness, and death due to COVID-19," Connecticut Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. "The healthcare provider you receive your vaccine from will need some basic information from you, but you should not give personal health information to anyone who sends you an unsolicited request."

For the most up-to-date information about where, when, and how to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Connecticut, visit the state’s website. General information about the vaccine is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state’s 2-1-1 information hotline is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions.