--- title: "Scam Alert: Watch Out for COVID Vaccine Scams" description: As COVID vaccination planning gets underway, scammers get to work trying to steal money and personal data from Americans. Here's how to protect yourelf. image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-01-20T123440.303.jpg --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - 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[Divorce (5)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/divorce) - [Travel (5)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/travel) - [ATM (4)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/atm) - [Baby (4)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/baby) - [Debit Cards (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/debit-cards) - [Motorcycles (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/motorcycles) - [Weddings (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/weddings) - [Boats (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/boats) - [Charity (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/charity) - [Family Finance (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/family-finance) - [Lending (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/lending) - [Credit Unions (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-unions) - [Green (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/green) - [Medical (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/medical) - [Pets (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/pets) - [dormant account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/dormant-account) - [inactive account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/inactive-account) # Scam Alert: Watch Out for COVID Vaccine Scams ** [Sandra Quadros Bowles](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/author/sandra-quadros-bowles) ** Jan 22, 2021 ![little girl getting COVID vaccine](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-01-20T123440.303.jpg) Most Americans are eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to look toward a healthier future and return to normalcy according to a [recent poll](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/abc-news-coronavirus-poll). Unfortunately, scammers know how to take advantage of this information. They can use this optimism to [steal your money](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-avoid-coronavirus-scams) or, perhaps worse, your identifying information, consumer advocates fear. They are warning the public about [scams ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-avoid-coronavirus-scams)that promise early access to vaccines in exchange for information and other personal data. Here’s what you need to know to protect you and your family from these vaccination scams. Guidelines for vaccine distribution are being established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and will ultimately be determined by the state in which you reside. You can learn when and how you can get vaccinated at the [CDC’s website](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html).   As plans and timelines are worked out, consumers are urged to be wary of anyone claiming to have [vaccine doses for sale](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-issues-consumer-tips-avoiding-covid-19-vaccine-scams). In fact, there should be little if any cost associated with the vaccine. Doses purchased with taxpayer dollars will be [free](https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/covid/8-things), but providers may be able to charge administrative fees for providing shots. Check with your provider beforehand if there will be a fee involved with your immunization and if it will be covered by your health insurance plan. Any communication, including[ a text, call, email, or knock on the door](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/become-scam-proof-tips-from-our-senior-safeguard-panel), promising early access to the vaccine is an attempt to scam you. Do not respond with any personal information. If you receive such a communication, do not respond to it but report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/_ry_CgJGX2fn163I3uLmk?domain=reportfraud.ftc.gov/). You can also file a complaint with your state’s attorney general through [consumerresources.org](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/3VJUCjRkJ8Uk4ErT1_zX7?domain=consumerresources.org/), the National Association of Attorneys General’s consumer website.  Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you want legitimate information about COVID immunizations, get it from legitimate sources. Start with your state health department, which will provide accurate and most up-to-date information on its website. Your health care providers are other legitimate sources of vaccine information you can trust. They know your health situation the best and can offer sound guidance as to when and where you should receive the vaccine. Stay in close contact with your trusted sources of information and continue to follow safety protocols while you wait for your vaccine. Use your patience and common sense to avoid the damage a scam can wreak. For more information about [COVID-related scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-avoid-coronavirus-scams) and tips on how to recognize, avoid, and report them, see [ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/aFRoCmZnXySGoXxu3fM2a?domain=ftc.gov).   *Download our free *[*Financial First Aid eGuide*](https://go.hfcu.org/first-aid?_ga=2.244099973.1068980754.1609785771-1419161282.1609785771)*. It’ll walk you through the best ways to manage your money during uncertain times. We’ll show you how to take inventory and review all your expenses, assess your debts, prioritize bills and communicate with creditors, and so much more!* *[![Financial First Aid eGuide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/43e73f75-c05c-466f-816f-72fbdd5a25b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/43e73f75-c05c-466f-816f-72fbdd5a25b7)*   *Others are reading:* - [Get SMART About Financial Goal Setting in the Age of COVID](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/get-smart-about-financial-goal-setting-in-the-age-of-covid) - [Protect Yourself From Unemployment Fraud](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/protect-yourself-from-fraud) - [4 Best Practices to Protect Your Online Access HD Account](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/4-best-practices-to-protect-your-online-access-hd-account) - [Scam Alert: Beware of the Fake IRS Refund Check](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/tax-scam) - [6 Benefits to Using a Password Manager](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/https/go.hfcu.org/blog/password-manager) ** [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security), [Scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/scams), [COVID](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/covid) [** 5 Mistakes First-time Homebuyers Can Avoid ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-mistakes-first-time-homebuyers-can-avoid) [** Why You Should Check Your Checking Balances Frequently ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/check-your-account-balances-regularly) ### About Author ![Sandra Quadros Bowles](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Sandy%20Quadros%20Bowles.jpg) Sandra Quadros Bowles Sandy Quadros Bowles is a veteran journalist who has received local, state, and national journalism awards. A resident of New Bedford, MA, she is an animal enthusiast, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic traveler. Related Posts [![Protect Your Accounts from the Rise of Check Fraud](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(16)-2.png) Protect Your Accounts from the Rise of Check Fraud ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/protect-your-accounts-from-the-rise-of-check-fraud) [![How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20800%20x%20800px%20(1)-1.png) How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/155005/don-t-let-identity-theft-ruin-your-holidays) [![How to Avoid the Latest Financial Scam: AI Voice Cloning](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20800%20x%20800px-1.png) How to Avoid the Latest Financial Scam: AI Voice Cloning ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/ai-voice-cloning-scam) ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/scam-alert-watch-out-for-covid-vaccine-scams/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/scam-alert-watch-out-for-covid-vaccine-scams/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/scam-alert-watch-out-for-covid-vaccine-scams/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. 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Moreover, Hanscom Federal Credit Union's privacy policies do not apply to any of the linked websites within this blog. Please consult the privacy disclosures on those linked sites for further information. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sandra Quadros Bowles" }, "dateModified" : "January 22, 2021, 9:30:00 PM", "datePublished" : "2021-01-22 21:30:00", "description" : "As COVID vaccination planning gets underway, scammers get to work trying to steal money and personal data from Americans. 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