REMINDER: Don't Post COVID-19 Vaccine Cards Online

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is reminding Floridians of the risks associated with posting COVID-19 vaccine cards online. Attorney General Moody initially warned of scams associated with vaccine card posts in February, but since then, millions of Floridians have received a vaccine. With the ramp up in vaccinations occurring throughout the state, comes an increased risk of fraud related to the inoculations. Vaccination cards issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include the recipient’s full name, birthdate and vaccine location—information scammers can use to hack online accounts or commit identity fraud.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is encouraging to see so many Floridians receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, but be cautious when sharing the good news online. Scammers can use information from a vaccine card to hack financial accounts, commit identity theft or even create fake vaccinations cards and sell them on the black market. Instead of posting your card, consider using an announcement or picture that does not reveal any personal information.”

Posting pictures of vaccination cards presents another downside besides sharing personal information that scammers covet—the posts could help scammers create phony vaccine cards. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, fake cards are popping up for sale on social media platforms and other websites.

COVID-19 has forced millions of Floridians to work, learn and socialize more online, which scammers are taking advantage of by ramping up online scams. Consumers should be wary about what information is shared online.

Attorney General Moody is offering the following tips as reminders for Floridians on how to safely share vaccination news or other information on social media:

• Instead of sharing vaccination cards, consider using a Got My Vaccine profile picture frame;
• Do not post anything that contains personal or identifying information online;
• Be wary of viral social media trends that often highlight a user’s assortment of favorite things or personal information. Know that the responses to these trends are often commonly used to inspire passwords or security questions; and
• Always use strong passwords on all accounts—include numbers and special characters.

For more information about how to protect sensitive information while using social media, click here.

Currently in Florida, persons of 40 years of age and older, health care personnel with direct patient contact, law enforcement officers, childcare workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities are prioritized to receive a vaccine. To keep up with the Department of Health’s vaccine availability, click here.

Since the COVID-19 emergency declaration in March 2020, Attorney General Moody has issued more than 30 Consumer Alerts with information about emerging scams and tips to avoid fraud. To view the latest alerts and to stay updated on COVID-19 related scams, visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Alert webpage by clicking here.

For all of the Attorney General’s COVID-19 related releases and additional COVID-19 tips and resources, click here.
 
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice. Consumer Alerts are designed to notify Floridians about scams and available refunds in an effort to prevent financial losses or other harm caused by deceptive practices. Anyone encountering a scam should report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. To view recent Consumer Alerts and for other information about avoiding scams, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.