COVID-19 vaccinations are slowly becoming available, but the scams are already here. Here’s what to watch out for to avoid becoming a victim.

 

If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you the vaccine, do not respond. That’s a scam.

 

You can’t pay to get early access to a vaccine or to get on a vaccination list. And you can’t buy a COVID-19 vaccination through the mail, online, or in stores.

 

Don’t respond to text messages about COVID-19 from people you don’t know. Clicking on links in messages could download malware to your phone or let criminals know they’ve found a target.

No one from a vaccine distribution site or insurance company will call to ask for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up for a vaccine.

 

Medicare will not call beneficiaries to offer COVID-19 related products, services, or benefit review.

Some scammers pretend to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare number, financial information, or try to set up a COVID-19 test for you and get payment information.

 

Beware of anyone offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus.

Always check with your doctor before paying for or getting any COVID-19-related treatment.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508.

 

For information on when vaccinations will be available, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.