FL Scammers Sold Fake COVID Vaccine Appointments

The Hill reports:

Eventbrite sites posing as local Florida health departments have reportedly targeted seniors in the state by charging money for fake vaccination appointments, prompting local health officials to issue warnings to residents Monday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an executive order on Dec. 23 mandating that those 65 and older would be among the first people of the general public to receive the vaccine, after health care workers and those living in long-term care facilities.

According to Pasco County health department spokesperson Melissa Watts, some seniors have recently arrived at vaccination centers in the county claiming to have appointments, only to find out their reservation was fraudulent.

Read the full article. Rather obviously, scammers wouldn’t have this opportunity if the vaccine rollout was being handled efficiently.

Someone created a FAKE Eventbrite account to register for the COVID-19 vaccination. You should NOT be charged to register. Registration is FREE.

The ONLY way to register at this time is by visiting our website at https://t.co/XEV02GdrN6 and go to VACCINE DISTRIBUTION. pic.twitter.com/qYKCqxsh5a

— FL Health Pasco (@HealthyPasco) January 4, 2021

Anyone who has made an appointment through the fraudulent Eventbrite site does not have a valid reservation for a vaccination at the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. However, schedulers will work with those individuals to get them onto the schedule

— FL Health Pinellas (@HealthyPinellas) January 5, 2021