Protect yourself from potential COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud and scams, especially on social media

Regence works hard to protect you from those who might try to take advantage of the uncertainty, fear and confusion surrounding COVID-19 and the eagerness to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are now available, which is welcome news, and we encourage you to get vaccinated when you can. But it’s important to be vigilant against vaccine-related fraud. As vaccine distribution begins, here are some 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 come through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unknown or unsolicited sources.
• Someone offers to sell or ship doses of the vaccine to you for payment.

Protect yourself. Do not give out your personal information to unknown sources. If you think you have been the victim of COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Hotline: 1 (800) HHS-TIPS, oig.hhs.gov
• FBI Hotline: 1 (800) CALL-FBI, ic3.gov
• CMS/Medicare Hotline: 1 (800) MEDICARE
• Regence Fraud Hotline: 1 (800) 323-1693, regence.com

Learn more about how to avoid various Coronavirus scams from the Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams-consumer-advice