California’s strong demand for coronavirus vaccines, coupled with a confusing state rollout process and supply shortages, has opened the door wide for vaccine-related scams.
As early as last December, local officials began warning residents to watch out for fraudulent vaccine-related activity. But bad actors are exploiting that and other uncertainties around the pandemic, from digital real estate scams to advertisements touting bogus COVID-19 “miracle cures.”
Below are four pandemic-related scams that have occurred in recent months in California and beyond, along with advice from government officials and agencies on how to avoid them:
The vaccine access scam: Fraudsters are trying to convince Californians that they can get early access to a coronavirus vaccine if they pay a deposit or fee, or undergo additional medical testing.
How to avoid it: Contact your state and local public health departments for up-to-date information on the vaccine rollout, the FBI advises. Reach out to your doctors and insurance providers before agreeing to any kind of additional testing or appointments related to a vaccine. And never give out your personal or financial information to an unknown caller, emailer or door-knocker.
The “miracle cure” scam: Advertisements are promoting fake vaccines or “miracle cures” for COVID-19, some including vitamins or other dietary supplements that have not demonstrated effectiveness against COVID-19.
How to avoid it: Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine or getting injected with a vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration advises. The FDA also keeps a list of companies it has caught selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or cure COVID-19.
The rental scam: Fake property managers in San Francisco are taking advantage of the shift to digital rental transactions during the pandemic, authorities say. Fraudsters are posting ads for apartments they don’t have the right to lease, soliciting months’ worth of rent from would-be tenants in advance and then disappearing once the renters realize what happened.
How to avoid it: Prospective renters should be careful of deals that appear too good to be true, and meet the landlord or agent in person whenever possible, San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Michael Andraychak recently told The Chronicle. Additionally, renters should be wary of agents’ requests for large down payments, or multiple requests for additional payments.
The stimulus check scam: Fraudsters are using robocalls and emails to solicit fees and/or personal information from people in return for a promise to secure a stimulus check. Some have received Facebook messages promising “relief grants” related to the pandemic.
How to avoid it: Visit the IRS for information on your stimulus check, and never give out your financial information to a non-trusted source.
Susie Neilson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: susan.neilson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susieneilson
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February 10, 2021 at 07:03PM
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How to avoid these common COVID pandemic scams in California - San Francisco Chronicle
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