As if the American consumer didn’t have enough to be concerned about; mortgage loan modification scams, financial fraud, stroller recalls. Add this to the top of the list of things to be avoided, Swine Flu and now, phony emails about Swine flu.
On December 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) updated their list of health related rumors and hoaxes with a new warning about a fake email purporting to be from the CDC. This email claims that the CDC is implementing a state sponsored H1N1 vaccination program. The recipient is informed that anyone over the age of 18 must register a personal profile on the CDC website to participate. If a user opens the provided link, they are at risk of having malicious code or virus installed on their system.
Consumers should be aware that the CDC has not implemented a state sponsored vaccination program which would require anyone to register on their website. On the actual CDC website, users are reminded of the following email security tips:
- Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
- Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.
- Use caution when entering personal information online.
Other Swine flu hoaxes and scams have appeared including fake vaccines and pills, disease preventing shampoos and miracle cures. You can report fraud to the Better Business Bureau, your state’s Attorney General’s office or other appropriate government agency. For more information, please see the resources listed below.
Related Resources:
- Fraudulent emails referencing CDC-sponsored State Vaccination Program (CDC)
- Swine Flu Scams Rampant on Internet Warns FDA (FindLaw’s Common Law)
- CDC Swine Flu Page: 2009 H1N1 Flu
- California Attorney General Website
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