Inquiries received by Consumer Hotline on COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud: Fraudsters often say "There's a way to raise the vaccination priority level," "Vaccine is available for a fee," etc.

In order to provide consultation for consumers who have faced trouble with fraud or fraudulent sales capitalizing on COVID-19 vaccination, NCAC established the Consumer Hotline on COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud on February 15, 2021.

Here we would like to share the number of inquiries received by the hotline through April 22, 2021, typical cases and advice for consumers.

Inquiries received by the hotline

The hotline received 741 inquiries, 17 of which appear to be related to vaccine fraud.

Cases suspicious of vaccine fraud

• My smartphone received a message "There's a way to raise the vaccination priority level."
• A person pretending to be with the presiding ministry phoned me, "You can receive a vaccine earlier."
• I received a phone call saying "I am informing about leftover vaccine doses."
• I was encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine made in China for a fee.
• I received a call on my mobile phone asking my bank account and other personal information for the purpose of COVID-19 vaccination.

Advice for consumers

The COVID-19 vaccination is free of charge.

Even if someone demands money for COVID-19 vaccination or for raising the vaccination priority level, ignore such a demand.

Beware of phone calls asking personal information under the guise of COVID-19 vaccine registration.

Neither national nor municipal administrative bodies ask your personal information such as bank accounts via telephone or email. Never answer to such questions.