KENTUCKY — Attorney General Daniel Cameron is warning Kentuckians about potential COVID-19 vaccine-related scams.

What You Need To Know

  • AG Cameron warns of potential COVID-19 vaccine scams, issues consumer protection alert

  • Cameron says fraudsters may impersonate distributors, medical providers, local health departments

  • Tips available for avoiding scams

  • Potential scams may be reported to Attorney General's Office, FTC

Cameron issued a consumer protection alert Wednesday, saying fraudsters may impersonate distributors, medical providers, or local health departments and claim they need personal information or payment in exchange for a vaccine.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen scammers attempt to take advantage of consumers by capitalizing on the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, whether it be with fraudulent pop-up testing sites, fake COVID-19 cures, or online work-from-home scams, and we expect that scammers will try to use the rollout of the new vaccine to their advantage,” said Cameron. “We are committed to closely monitoring vaccine-related scams to ensure Kentuckians do not become victims and that any scams are quickly investigated and stopped. I urge anyone who is contacted by a scammer about a COVID-19 vaccine to report it immediately to our office by visiting ag.ky.gov/scams or by calling 1-888-432-9257.”

Cameron's office provided the following tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams:

  • Don't pay for the promise of a vaccine;
  • Consumers shouldn't receive an unsolicited call asking for their Social Security number of their credit card or bank account information to sign up for the vaccine. Those who receive such calls should hang up and verify the source of the caller before proceeding; and
  • Beware of people who offer products, such as medicine or treatments, which they claim are as effective as the vaccine. Consumers should check with their healthcare provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.

According to a press release from the Attorney General's Office, the office has not received complaints of vaccine scams, but it warns that these scams will likely become more prevalent as vaccine distribution continues.

Scams can be reported online or by calling 1-888-432-9257. Scams can also be reported to the FTC.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.

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