COVID-19: Schemes to Watch for in 2021

With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, 2021 is likely to see scammers continue their efforts to steal personal information. While the early COVID-19 schemes surrounded bogus testing and medical supply offers, the rollout of vaccines is looking to be another angle for unscrupulous fraudsters to attempt to take advantage of the situation. 

Both the Federal Trade Commission and the US Department of Health & Human Services have issued consumer advisories surrounding this newest threat which preys upon a citizen’s interest in gaining access to the vaccine. Scammers, posing as government officials, will call, text, email, or even personally visit the residence of individuals, offering them early access to the vaccine in exchange for a monetary payment and/or their Medicare information. Both government agencies stress that offers of this type are a scam and should be reported.

Report COVID-19 Scams       

If you believe someone is trying to scam you, report the activity to the US Department of Health & Human Services or the Federal Trade Commission.

Fraud takes all forms. ICW Group’s Special Investigations Unit encourages you to stay vigilant in monitoring for schemes aimed at stealing your personal information or the money directly from your wallet.   

Christopher Dill
Christopher Dill
Christopher Dill is the Special Investigations Unit Director at ICW Group Insurance Company. A Fraud Claims Law Specialist designee, he was a recipient of the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association’s Investigation of the Year Award for his significant contribution to the successful resolution of “Operation Back Lash” – one of the largest workers’ compensation health care bribery schemes ever uncovered in San Diego County. Christopher has participated in over 30 criminal cases surrounding medical and legal providers attempting to defraud the Workers’ Compensation system. Christopher’s approach to insurance fraud investigations is a holistic one. From preventative education campaigns, to data analytics, to time tested investigative, and intelligence gathering techniques, it is Christopher’s belief that a multi-faceted approach to insurance fraud is necessary to a successful defense.

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