The FBI has issued a warning about threats and scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine that credit unions and individuals should be aware of.

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution begins, here are the signs of potential scams, according to the FBI:

• you are asked to pay out of pocket to get the vaccine;
• you are asked to pay to put your name on vaccine waiting list or to get early access;
• you are the target of advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online or from unsolicited/unknown sources; or
• you are contacted by marketers offering to sell or ship doses of the vaccine for payment.

The FBI also warns that children who are home from school and spending more time online may be at increased risk for exploitation and that anyone can be targeted by hackers and scammers.

If you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can:

• contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or online at justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm;
• report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov; or
• contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Credit unions can view or print the FBI’s warning flier on COVID-19 vaccine fraud here.