Vaccinations for Covid-19 are becoming available to certain Texans. As people await their vaccinations, some may also become targets of unscrupulous scammers trying to take advantage of a health emergency.
Be aware that you cannot pay to get your name on a list, or moved up in the disbursement order, for the Covid-19 vaccine. You also cannot purchase a legitimate vaccination through the mail, online, or in stores. Do not respond to scammers who may call, text, email, or knock on your door offering to sell you a vaccine. Continue to be careful of anyone offering other treatments to prevent the virus, as approved treatments are limited.
Remember to safeguard your personal information as well. Vaccination sites and insurance companies will not call asking for your Social Security Number, bank account, or credit card information in order to sign up for the vaccine. Similarly, Medicare will not call you to offer you Covid-19 products, benefits, or vaccines. While legitimate contact tracers exist for Covid-19, beware of scammers who may ask for your financial information or Medicare number when offering to “set up a test”. And as always, be careful when clicking on links in unexpected text messages, including those about Covid-19.
To report a scam related to a Covid-19 vaccination, or other scams related to Covid-19, file a complaint with our office.
For more information on the Covid-19 Vaccine, and Texas’ allocation and vaccination plan, visit the Department of State Health Services website.