ACMA has advised Australians to be vigilant about scammers using calls, SMS and emails to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
According to an announcement on the ACMA website, personal details over the phone or links within an email or text message should be checked before clicking. A quick visit to the legitimacy of the source must be done.
The media authority also set out a list of important facts about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Australians should not be asked by anyone, other than a doctor or medical professional, to provide any personal or financial information over the phone, email or SMS to get access to, or information about the vaccination.
The vaccination is free and anyone will not be asked to pay a fee to get vaccinated, to book an appointment or go on a waiting list.
Early access to the vaccine is unavailable as Government’s eligibility criteria must be met for the current phase. As such, anyone does not need a prescription from a doctor to get the vaccine and the vaccine will not be sent in the mail.
Self-vaccination and self-test kits are not legal to sell or advertise in Australia.
Approved vaccination advertisements/information will not include any reference to a brand name or manufacturer.
If in doubt, or for more information, contact the Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080 or visit health.gov.au.
The ACMA is also warning consumers about current email COVID-19 vaccine scams that attempt to trick you into providing your personal or financial information.
This inclused offering opportunities to invest in a vaccine company, and asking complete vaccine related survey to win a prize.
Australians can make a report and/or find out more about COVID-19 scams at Scamwatch.
Scammers target everyone! Find out more about how to protect yourself from phone scams.
Source: ACMA
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