What you should know
- Scammers may falsely claim to be online sellers of the vaccine, send fake emails and texts containing harmful links designed to steal your personal information and use robocalls to submit vaccination information, the agency said.
- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently launched the website Vaccinate New York to provide New Yorkers with a single place to get accurate and up-to-date information on the vaccine, safety, distribution priorities, and a host of other details.
- For up-to-date information on COVID-19 and information on vaccines, visit the New York State Department of Health website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
—
NEW YORK – The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is warning consumers about scammers who could take advantage of COVID-19 vaccines to steal personal information.
According to the agency, the scammers use techniques that often arise when events such as vaccines occur. For example, scammers may falsely claim to be online sellers of the vaccine, send fake emails and texts containing harmful links designed to steal your personal information, and use robocalls to present vaccination information. The agency is asking New Yorkers to be on the lookout for scammers looking to take advantage of the public interest around vaccines.
“The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine brings hope to many of us, but it also creates new opportunities for unscrupulous scammers to try to lure people into inadvertently providing their personal information,” said Secretary of State Rossana Pink. “As the vaccine is rolled out over the next several months, there are simple steps you can take to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams that can help protect your hard-earned money and identity.”
“As we begin the historic task of vaccinating New Yorkers against COVID-19, we must consider the verification protocols that will ensure a safe and effective vaccination process. As Governor Cuomo has announced, the vaccine will be free and should be covered by insurance. New Yorkers can do their part by keeping their personal health information secure and by challenging any request for information that is not affiliated with a trusted health or government entity, ”said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
Reliable information about vaccination in New York:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently launched the website Vaccinate New York to provide New Yorkers with a single place to get accurate and up-to-date information on the vaccine, safety, distribution priorities, and a host of other details. By accessing the site, New Yorkers will find not only general information about the vaccine, but also a detailed FAQ section that provides data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
Recommendations to protect yourself from scammers:
• Don’t click on links from unfamiliar sources. You could download a virus onto your computer or device.
• Be aware of emails that come from unknown senders. Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC), or experts claiming to have information about the vaccine.
• Ignore online vaccine offers or emails that claim you can get your vaccine sooner.
• Be on the lookout for emails requesting your personal information.
• Hang up illegal robocalls.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 and information on vaccines, visit the New York State Department of Health website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
– .
