South Carolina officials warn the public to be aware of possible scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 27, 2021

COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina residents should be aware of scammers targeting COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the State Law Enforcement Division, the Emergency Management Division and the Department of Consumer Protection encourage residents to be wary of scammers using the COVID vaccination -19 from the state to steal people’s private information or money.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and others from scammers:

  • State agencies, vaccine suppliers and vaccine manufacturers will not contact people and request personal information over the phone.
  • The only time people should expect to share personal information with an approved vaccine provider is when they make an actual appointment with an actual vaccine provider.
  • No one should pay or provide personal information to enter a vaccine waiting list or be promised early access to the vaccine.
  • A list of approved supplier locations currently accepting vaccine nominations is available at DHEC vax locator map.

If a member of the public is contacted by a potential scam, he must contact the local authorities immediately and file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Protection, and report fraud to Federal Trade Commission.

Eligible southern Carolinians are encouraged to schedule appointments now.

South Carolina is currently in Phase 1a of its vaccine plan, and people currently prioritized to receive the vaccine must continue to schedule appointments with vaccine providers to receive their first and second injections. Those who are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can:

  • Use DHEC vax locator map to find contact information for a vaccine supplier near them, or
  • Call the DHEC Hotline (1-855-472-3432) for assistance in locating contact information for vaccine suppliers.

To find out if you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Click here.

For the latest information on the South Carolina COVID-19 vaccine, visitcdhec.gov/vaxfacts.

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