Federal agencies warn of COVID-19 vaccine schemes

The FBI, OIG and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have issued a warning about COVID-19 vaccine schemes to obtain your money or personal information.

As the COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, here are signs of potential scams:

• You are asked to pay out of pocket to get the vaccine.
• You are asked to pay to put your name on a vaccine waiting list or to get early access.
• Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online or from unsolicited/unknown sources.
• Marketers offering to sell or ship doses of the vaccine for payment.

Protect yourself. Do not give out your personal information to unknown sources. Get up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and obtaining a vaccine from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.

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