BBB warns about scams related to COVID vaccines

The Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia is warning people to look out for phishing scams and fake treatments as the U.S. gets closer to approving COVID-19 vaccines.

Fake COVID testing kits and treatments already have entered the market, and there has been an increase in con artists using robocalls to pose as government officials, BBB officials said in a statement. Scammers often use legitimate-looking URLs, so BBB is advising that people check to make sure messages are coming from a .gov account or make a separate internet search to find out more information.

“Even though these vaccines are to meet a critical healthcare crisis, including life and death concerns, sadly it won’t deter scammers and thieves from doing evil to the innocent, so consumers must remain ever vigilant,” Barry N. Moore, president and CEO of the BBB of Central Virginia, wrote.

Government agencies are cracking down on the scams, with the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement working with drug companies to stop the selling of fake vaccines and the Federal Trade Commission issuing warning letters to companies making false promises.

BBB is urging people to not give in to a sense of urgency and to research carefully about COVID-19 updates through official news sources and information from their healthcare providers.