Trying to get vaccinated? Here’s how to avoid scams

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Health and the Attorney General are warning people about scammers working to exploit people who are trying to get vaccines.

Officials said scammers have been calling, texting or emailing customers and asking for payment for the promise of getting a vaccine, scheduling an appointment or getting on the waiting list.

“Scam artists are attempting to take advantage of people’s sense of urgency about getting the vaccine,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “Remember that the vaccine is free, and hang up on any caller who asks you for money or personal information related to the vaccine.”

[SPECIAL SECTION: COVID-19 Vaccine in Georgia]

Officials are offering the following tips:

• Do not pay to put your name on a list
• You cannot buy a COVID-19 vaccination through the mail, online or in a store
• No one from a legitimate vaccination site will call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number
• The Department of Health will not call to verify your Social Security number or your Medicare, Medicaid or insurance ID
• Medicare will not call to offer COVID-19 products or services.

As of April 3, more than 4 million people in Georgia have been vaccinated. One million of those doses were administered in just the last 15 days.

All adults over the age of 16 are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Because of high demand for vaccines, sites are booking up quickly. Georgians are urged to be patient and try again another day if no appointments are immediately available.

To find a vaccination location or to schedule an appointment, log on to dph.ga.gov/covid-vaccine or visit myvaccinegeorgia.com to schedule an appointment at a GEMA mass vaccination site. Vaccines are also available at pharmacies throughout the state and can be found using VaccineFinder.org.

[LINK: Where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in Georgia]

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