Now that vaccines are a reality, the FDA is again warning the public about covid-19 related scams. The agency worries that misleading products may keep Americans from seeking treatment or getting vaccines from approved medical providers. 
The FDA is also concerned that scammers who claim to be offering reputable vaccines will steal personal identity or protected health information. This can lead to a host of problems including identity theft.
In a recent study, WalletHub determined that we are 2nd in the nation for identity theft. SC is behind Florida and just ahead of Delaware in a study which compared identity theft, fraud and policy metrics.
Lexington County residents should be wary of websites or calls claiming to sell vaccines or treatments for covid. During the pandemic, more than 1,000 fraudulent websites were removed a day in the US alone.
These sites and calls will steal your money and take your personal information. The callers may claim to need personal information or your social security number to “reserve” a vaccine for you.
How can you stay safe? The FDA says don’t click links or download attachments from social media posts or emails offering cures or that sound too good to be true. 
Avoid giving information to telemarketers promising vaccines or treatments. 
Homeland Security warns to only be vaccinated by approved medical providers.