The scams are occuring as the telecommunications industry regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), issued a warning on Monday advising Australians to be vigilant and not to provide personal details over the phone or click on any links within an email or text message, before checking the source is legitimate.
The ACMA has issued a list of important facts about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, including a warning that you should not be asked by anyone - other than your 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.
In addition the ACMA notes that:
- The vaccination is free – you will not be asked to pay a fee to get vaccinated, to book an appointment or go on a waiting list.
- You cannot get early access to the vaccine. You must meet the Government’s eligibility criteria for the current phase.
- You will not need a prescription from a doctor to get the vaccine.
- The vaccine will not be sent to you 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 warns.
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, including:
- offering opportunities to invest in a vaccine company
- asking you to complete a vaccine related survey to win a prize.
To report scams and/or find out more about COVID-19 scams go to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) Scamwatch service - and to find out more from the ACMA about how to protect yourself from phone scams go here.
