Ignore bogus COVID vaccine survey

March 24, 2021

by Colleen Tressler Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Scammers are using a new trick to steal your money and personal information: a bogus COVID vaccine survey.

People across the country are reporting getting emails and texts out of the blue, asking them to complete a limited-time survey about the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine. (And no doubt, there may be one for Johnson & Johnson, too.) In exchange, people are offered a free reward, but asked to pay shipping fees.

If you get an email or text like this, STOP. It’s a scam.

No legitimate surveys ask for your credit card or bank account number to pay for a “free” reward. If you get an email or text you’re not sure about:

• Don’t click on any links or open attachments. Doing so could install harmful malware that steals your personal information without you realizing it.

• Don’t call or use the number in the email or text. If you want to call the company that supposedly sent the message, look up its phone number online.

Remember:

• Don’t give your bank account, credit card, or personal information to someone who contacts you out of the blue.

• You can filter unwanted text messages on your phone, through your wireless provider, or with a call-blocking app.

• If you get an email or text that asks for your personal information and you think it could be a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

To learn more about COVID-related frauds and scams, visit ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams.

Blog Topics: Money & Credit, Privacy, Identity & Online Security

Scam Tags: Avoiding Scams