San Bernardino County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services is warning the public about a new COVID-19 “Vaccine Survey Scam.”
According to the department, predators are attempting to gain personal information by asking you to complete a limited-time survey about the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine. You may be offered a free reward but need to pay the shipping in advance, or they may ask you to provide personal information to claim your free gift or to deposit it directly into your account.
Legitimate surveys do not ask for your credit card or bank account information and do not ask you to pay for a free gift.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommend the following to protect yourself from this type of scam:
- Never give your bank account, credit card or any personal information to someone who contacts you unsolicited.
- Do not click on links or open attachments; doing so could install harmful malware that steals your information.
- Always filter unwanted text messages on your phone, either through your wireless provider or with a call-blocking app.
- Remember to never contact the phone number listed in the email or text and always look it up on the company website.
If you think you may be a victim of a scam, contact San Bernardino County APS at 877.565.2020 or your local police department.