The Pennsylvania State Police reminds Pennsylvania residents of the potential physical health risks and financial harms of purchasing, administering, and consuming counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines.

Unverified vaccines made from unknown substances under unknown conditions present significant health risks. Additionally, consumers of face vaccines, believing they are subsequently protected against COVID-19, may make lifestyle choices that increase their actual risk of COVD-19 infection.

Scammers have targeted the vaccine distribution process, promoting the sale of counterfeit vaccines since the Food and Drug Administration issued the first COVID-19 vaccines emergency use authorizations in mid-December 2020. Scammers capitalizing on high public demand, nationwide shortages in vaccine availability, and widespread consumer confusion over decentralized processes.

They are using fraud methods ranging from fake websites purporting to sell vaccines in order to steal personally identifiable information, to people shipping and administering fake vaccines to victims.

• In January, a Washington man was arrested for online postings made as early as March 2, 2020, claiming to have a COVID-19 vaccine and offering to inject customers for $400 to $1,000 each.

• In February, three Maryland residents were arrested for an online fraud scheme purporting to sell COVID-19 vaccines. The fraudulent website mirrored that of a legitimate biotechnology company whose COVID-19 vaccine has received FDA emergency use authorization.

• In March, Interpol announced the disruption of a fake COVID-19 vaccine distribution network. At least 2,400 doses had been smuggled across continents from China to South Africa.

Recommendations:

• Always consult with a licensed medical professional to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine or treatment.

• Do not purchase COVID-19 vaccines and treatments over the internet or through an online pharmacy.

• Ignore unsolicited offers for vaccinations and miracle treatments or cures.

• Be wary of advertisements for vaccines and treatments on social media.

• Report any suspicious activity involving COVID-19 vaccines and treatments to COVID19FRAUD@dhs.gov.

• The free See Something, Send Something smartphone application enables individuals to report suspicious activity by capturing a photograph, screenshot, and other information to send it directly to the Pennsylvania State Police. Tips may also be sent to tips@pa.gov.

The PSP is not aware of any instances of counterfeit vaccines occurring in Pennsylvania; however, the department reminds residents who fall victim to a scam to report it to their local police department.