Connecticut Residents Warned of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Strategic Insights -

As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out, Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong are urging residents to be cautious of scams targeting those seeking immunization. The scammers, posing as vaccine manufacturers, send consumers deceptive emails and texts, often with fake rewards or payments, in an attempt to steal sensitive information. State officials are offering guidance to protect residents from these scams, emphasizing the vaccine's safety and efficacy. Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong are urging the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Connecticut residents are being targeted by scammers posing as COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, sending emails and texts with fake rewards or payments.
  • The scammers are seeking to steal sensitive information, including credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.
  • State officials are warning residents not to pay anything to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine and not to trust promotional offers related to the vaccine.
  • Residents should check with their state or local health departments or healthcare providers for accurate information.
  • The vaccine is only available at federal and state-approved locations and is being offered at no cost to anyone.
  • Beware of unsolicited emails or texts concerning the vaccine, especially those that ask for personal, financial, or health information.
  • Nobody from a vaccine distribution site, healthcare provider, pharmacy, or health care payer will ask for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers.
  • Residents can report suspicious activity to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection or the Office of the Attorney General.

Statistics:

  • The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has reported recent scams targeting residents related to COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The Office of the Attorney General has issued warnings about the scams and is urging residents to be vigilant.
  • The vaccine is 100% free and available only at authorized locations, with no cost to recipients [1].
  • 78% of Connecticut residents who have received the COVID-19 vaccine report feeling protected from hospitalization, severe illness, and death due to COVID-19 [2].
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported over 20 vaccine-related scams targeting residents nationwide [3].

Sources:

  • [1] ct.gov/covidvaccine
  • [2] governor.ct.gov/lamont
  • [3] www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19
  • [4] attorneygeneral.ct.gov