Fort Bend Alerts Citizens about Vaccine Appointment Scam

This week the Health & Human Service Department of Fort Bend warned citizens about the increasing fraudulent schemes that have been offering vaccine appointments through social media.

Due to an increase in the scam detections, the Department of Health and Human Services urges the community to be cautions when registering vaccine appointment through social media websites.

There are several appointment scams circulating. Appointment links shared with you or obtained on social media do not schedule legitimate appointments. pic.twitter.com/Jaq9WnBHP5

— Health & Human Ser. (@FortBendHealth) March 13, 2021

Texas health authorities reported they will not carry out non-official appointments, and will continue administering COVID-19 vaccines only through the distribution points posted on their site.

These points include pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospital groups that have set up registration measures to provide COVID-19 vaccines in the counties of the greater Houston area.

Health departments however, will not be the primary vaccine providers but will serve as an information center and safety net for uninsured citizens.

As more commercial locations enable vaccine registration, each with their own social media accounts, scams involving false appointments are expected to continue.

The warning comes as Fort Bend also announces expansion of vaccine eligibility, with the County Health and Human Services website now stating they are taking those in Phase 1C, along with those in Phase 1A (those 65 years or older) and Phase 1B (those 16 years and up with an underlying condition).