Waltham Vaccine Scam: Police Warn Residents Not To Fall Victim

WALTHAM, MA — The Waltham Police Department is warning residents to be vigilant about a vaccine scam that several residents have reported.

"Please be careful. Some seniors are receiving calls asking for credit card information for vaccine sign up. This is a SCAM," police said in an emergency alert email.

"DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR CREDIT CARD OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION to anyone calling you about the COVID-19 vaccine," the alert went on.

Police also sent out a reverse 911 call to warn the city.

Other vaccine-related scams that have been popping up across the country include false ads for the vaccine on Craigslist; offers of home delivery of the vaccine; and text messages inviting you to set up an appointment for a coronavirus vaccination or to be put on a list.

Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services:

• Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels.
• Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
• Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination.
• Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
• Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.
• Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals.

General online/cyber fraud prevention techniques:

• Verify the spelling of web addresses, websites, and email addresses that look trustworthy but may be imitations of legitimate websites.
• Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions.
• Update anti-malware and anti-virus software and conduct regular network scans.
• Do not enable macros on documents downloaded from an email unless necessary and after ensuring the file is not malicious.
• Do not communicate with or open emails, attachments, or links from unknown individuals.
• Never provide personal information of any sort via email; be aware that many emails requesting your personal information may appear to be legitimate.
• Use strong two-factor authentication if possible, using biometrics, hardware tokens, or authentication apps.
• Disable or remove unneeded software applications.

If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS).

You are also encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Office and the Waltham Police Department immediately.