Arrival Of COVID Vaccine Means More Scams In South Jersey: Cops

Two vaccines for the coronavirus are now available in South Jersey. For some, that means another opportunity to make some quick money off a scam, law enforcement is warning the public.

“A lot of people, especially those in high-risk groups, are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with the news of an approved vaccine, and that excitement could make them susceptible to scams,” Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer said. “We know many families want their loved ones to get the vaccine as soon as possible, but please make sure to the take the necessary steps to ensure what you’re signing up for is legitimate.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is already seeing schemes in which the scammer falsely promises to improve a person’s place in line to get the vaccine for a fee; telemarketer calls; Medicare fraud; and identity theft.

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Detectives said government agencies will not call residents to ask for money to secure their spot, ask for personal identifying information, or offer vaccines by going door-to-door.

There are a limited number of vaccines available that are being distributed to healthcare facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. For questions about the vaccine and its availability, contact your doctor or local health department.

In South Jersey, the Pfizer vaccine is now available through Cooper Health, Virtua and Deborah Heart and Lung Center, while the Moderna vaccine is available through Jefferson Health.

Currently, only frontline workers in the health industry are receiving the vaccine. Read more here: Here's Who's Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine First In New Jersey

For more information on vaccine scams, visit aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/coronavirus-vaccine-scams.html.