The Commissioner for Consumer Protection is urging consumers to watch out for scams making use of the COVID-19 vaccines.
The Commissioner, Lanie Chopping said that scams where COVID-19 was mentioned had so far stolen $8.4 million from Australians since the beginning of the pandemic, with 20 victims in Western Australia telling WA ScamNet they had lost almost $144,000 between them.
“There are concerns those figures could rise further now that vaccines are being rolled out across the country, following a similar trend seen in other countries like the United Kingdom,” Ms Chopping said.
“Some of the scams seen so far involve payment requests for early access to vaccines, offers to mail vaccines, investment opportunities in the Pfizer vaccine, as well as fake surveys that offer prizes or early vaccination access.”
She said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch service had published new information about how vaccines would be distributed; how the Government would communicate with Australians about the roll-out and tips to avoid being scammed.
“It’s important to know that COVID-19 vaccines will be free for everyone living in Australia, so no amount of money will be able to buy you a spot on an ‘early-access’ list, nor will you require a doctor’s prescription to receive one,” Ms Chopping said.
“If you receive an email or text message telling you otherwise, it’s likely to be a scam.”
She said scammers might pretend to have a connection with you, so it was important to stop and check, even when you are approached by what you think is a trusted organisation.
“WA ScamNet warns against providing your personal, banking or superannuation details to strangers who have approached you, and to avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails or text messages,” Ms Chopping said.
She advised anyone who thought they might have been approached by a scammer, or who has lost money to a scam, WA ScamNet would like to hear about it.
WA ScamNet can be accessed at this PS News link.
