 TITLE: Coronavirus Vaccine Scams to Watch Out For CONTENT: Scammers don't need to reinvent the wheel to create a new scam. Often, they combine known methods for getting people to hand over their money or personal information with a twist based on what's going on in the world. On one hand, this could make the scams easier to identify if you're in the know. However, these methods are repeatedly used because they work.\nScams can also take different forms. You may be asked to make a payment, either directly or by buying and sending someone a gift card or money order. Or, the scammer may be after your personal information, such as your Social Security number, mother's maiden name or health insurance identification number. They could then use your information to commit various types of identity fraud, or sell it to fraudsters.\nWith all this in mind, here are some of the most common COVID-19 vaccine scams:\n*   **Offers to buy the vaccine or get priority access**: You may receive offers to purchase the vaccine or pay to put yourself on a shortlist—these are not legitimate. You can't buy the vaccine yourself, you won't need to pay any out-of-pocket expenses to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from a legitimate distributor, and you can't pay to get priority access.\n*   **Fake vaccines and cures**: Scammers may offer products for sale that they claim will cure COVID-19 or act as a vaccine. You can't get any of the tested and approved vaccines shipped to your home.\n*   **Requests for personal or financial information**: Vaccine distribution sites, insurance providers, pharmacies, vaccine center employees and contact tracers shouldn't ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number or any financial account numbers. In general, be wary of any phone calls, text messages, emails, letters, advertisements, direct messages or in-person solicitors that claim they can help get you a vaccine.\n*   **Impersonating Medicare**: Medicare isn't calling to offer coronavirus products or services.\nThe list of COVID-19 vaccine scams may grow over time. And, some scams might not be as prevalent. If you have questions about when and where you can get the vaccine, look for updates on the FDA's website, on your state's health department website and from your health care provider. END