Health. Meetings with boxes, additional numbers … Beware of fraud for the vaccine against Covid-19

Vaccination can be a public health problem, but it does not stop thugs from all stripes. Health authorities and elected officials from several municipalities have warned in recent days about the increase in Covid-19 fraud.

In Savigneux, in the Loire, councilor Jean-Marc Grange warned his citizens against sending fake e-mails in the name of the town hall indicating the provision of vaccines. In Tignieu-Jameyzieu, at the crossroads between Isère, Rhône and Ain, the city also warns people over the age of 75 against malicious phone calls.

The vaccine is free

Several types of fraud have thus been reported throughout France where the Covid-19 vaccine is free and administered exclusively in dedicated centers.

In Doubs, Haute-Saône or Vienne, the elderly have been offered an injection (at home or not) for a fee or a reminder of an additional number.

A direct scam, which can also involve phishing: rotten links sent via email that capture your personal data if you click on them. In addition to Savigneux, the town hall of Tassin-la-Demi-Lune (Rhône) reported on the practice near us.

Getting away from your home

Another scenario, proven in Pas-de-Calais or Gard, was vulnerable people, prioritized in this first phase of vaccination, contacted, from door-to-door or telephone harvesting, to make an appointment. A fictitious meeting that would deprive them, the gendarmerie explains.

Criminals pose as health personnel, members of the police or municipal staff. The authorities invite those affected to contact the police or the gendarmerie.

How to make a deal

As a reminder, if you want to reserve a coronavirus vaccination site, go to sante.fr, use the national toll-free number (0800 009 110) or contact the vaccination center nearest you.