By Kayla Rivas
Published March 31, 2021
As public interest in COVID-19 vaccinations continues to far exceed available shots in the U.S., Los Angeles County officials are warning residents about scammers attempting to sell appointments and steal information.
"If someone offers to sell you an appointment to be vaccinated, it's a scam," said Dr. Paul Simon, chief science officer for the county Department of Public Health, FOX 11 reported. "If someone offers to sell you a vaccine, get you a low-cost deal or get your vaccine under the table, again, it's a scam."
Simon said texts and emails are circulating nationwide, prompting users to complete a "time-limited survey" about the coronavirus vaccines for a "free reward," but requires shipping fees.
"No legitimate surveys about the COVID-19 vaccine will ask for your credit card or bank account number to pay for a free reward," he said, per the outlet.
INELIGIBLE HOLLYWOOD COVID-19 VACCINE LINE-JUMPERS FORCE CENTER TO SHUTTER
Los Angeles plans to expand vaccine eligibility on April 1 to include county residents aged 50-64, and eligibility will further expand on April 15 for all those aged 16 and up. Health officials said there aren’t enough doses to vaccinate everyone who is eligible, and will prioritize hard-hit communities.
"We need to ask for patience until supply increases," the health department wrote in a release.
In the meantime, officials warn residents that scammers are capitalizing on pandemic-related fear and anxiety with fraudulent offers and are attempting to steal personal information. Officials cautioned to watch out for these red flags:
BEWARE OF COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS, CDC WARNS OLDER ADULTS
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The Federal Trade Commission also warns that consumers cannot pay to get their name on a list to receive a vaccine or buy their way into early access. Los Angeles residents were advised to visit VaccinateLACounty.com for more information.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/covid-19-vaccine-scammers-targeting-consumers-watch-for-these-red-flags-officials-say