A Reason to Be Optimistic, A Reason to Be Cautious
We have been in various forms of isolation and shut down for several months. Scientists and researchers have worked diligently and the work has paid off. We will soon have what seems to be an effective vaccine. We have a reason to be optimistic. There will be a timetable for vaccinating everyone and there will be priorities. First responders, nursing home residents, and others who are most vulnerable will probably be among the first. And, it will take time. We’re talking about millions of doses of vaccine and lots of syringes, alcohol swabs, and other supply necessities. But we have a reason to be optimistic.
We are afraid and anxious, and because we are used to immediate gratification, people will want it NOW. NOW is not in the cards for the approved vaccines because there will be priorities. But, because people will want it NOW, scammers have a direct line to addressing fear and addressing hope and addressing immediate gratification. We have a reason to be cautious.
Be aware that scammers will pounce on the opportunity to “sell” you a vaccine before it becomes widely available. They will use this breakthrough opportunity to make money selling you a vaccine. They will try to get your personal information saying they need your insurance numbers for billing purposes or tracking purposes or some other reason. You may receive some product, you may not. They may try to couch the scam as a donation request to help with some aspect of the vaccine or its distribution. We have a reason to be cautious.
Scam Delivery
The scams may come through your email. It may be an ad on your social media. It may come as a telephone contact. You may get a text. There may be people who show up at your door.
The basic guidelines remain the same: do not give out personal information (Social Security number, Medicare number, other insurance numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers), do not give or send money or gift cards, do not let people in your home, do not click on email links, do not click on social media posts promoting cures, do not respond to telephone appeals, and stay informed.
As the vaccine roll-out progresses, make sure to get your vaccination only from an approved medical provider. Talk to your primary care physician about any concerns. Don’t fall for ‘early’ availability or ‘same as’ products or “special offers.”
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Be aware. Be patient. There is a reason to be optimistic but there is a reason to be cautious.
