Official Warns Of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams In Illinois

ILLINOIS – Officials are warning people who live in northern Illinois to be aware of fraud schemes involving COVID-19 vaccines.

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney for Northern Illinois John Lausch said residents should be suspicious of unexpected or unsolicited contact from anyone they don't know who claims to have information about a vaccine for COVID-19.

Lausch said such scammers call, text, post on social media and go door to door in fraud schemes. In this case, they may offer the vaccine or early access to it in exchange for money or personal information such as a Social Security number or medical history.

Instead of offering this information, residents are urged to contact their health care provider directly.

In addition, there are a number of steps people can take to avoid getting scammed:

• Do not click on links from sources you do not know, as they could download viruses onto your computer or phone.
• Ignore online or phone offers for COVID-19 vaccinations. Health care providers will not ask you for money or personal information over the phone or online.
• Never send money or disclose your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account or credit card numbers to someone you do not know.

"Unfortunately, ruthless criminals are attempting to take advantage of unsuspecting people anxious to receive a COVID-19 vaccine," Lausch said in a prepared statement. "Any unsolicited offer to gain an advantage n connection with a COVID-19 vaccine is likely a scam."

For more information, visit justice.gov/coronavirus.