Agencies warn of online vaccine scams

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and INTERPOL personnel said the agencies have partnered to issue public warnings concerning online COVID-19 vaccines and treatment purchases.

“Counterfeit vaccines threaten the health of consumers who are duped by nefarious actors seeking to exploit the pandemic situation for financial gain,” said HSI Assistant Director and Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center Steve Francis. “HSI and its law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate and seek prosecution for criminals taking advantage of the public’s quest for COVID-19 vaccinations and those who endanger the lives of the very people the vaccines are intended to protect.”

Consumers should be wary of buying a product that does not protect against COVID-19 while also posing a health hazard if ingested or injected. The products are not tested, regulated or safety-checked.

Additionally, legitimate vaccines are not for sale and are administered and distributed by national healthcare regulators.

“From the very beginning of the pandemic, criminals have preyed on people’s fears in order to make fast cash,” INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said. “Fake vaccines are the latest in these scams, which is why INTERPOL and HSI are warning the public to be extra vigilant. Anyone ordering a vaccine online rather than obtaining it from their national provider will be buying a fake product.”

Authorities said to report suspected criminal activity or fraudulent schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, email Covid19Fraud@dhs.gov.