Interpol issues global alert of Covid-19 vaccine scams

The international police organization Interpol has issued a global alert as fraudsters target governments with Covid-19 vaccine scams.

In more than 60 cases in 40 countries, representatives of health ministries and hospitals have received offers to buy vaccines approved for distribution in their country, Interpol said on Monday.

According to the statement, the fraudsters usually claim to represent a vaccine manufacturer or a government organization facilitating the distribution of vaccines.

They try to establish contact via the private email addresses of the persons concerned as well as by telephone. They also use fake websites and social media profiles.

"Even when a fraud fails, it is important that it is reported to the police so that potential links can be identified and also, as in the case of the alert Interpol has issued, to warn law enforcement about these threats," Secretary General Juergen Stock.

Production of fake vaccines

Criminals have tried to make profit at every stage of the coronavirus pandemic so far, be it with the fake sale of protective equipment, the production and sale of fake vaccines or hacking attacks on critical infrastructure.

Interpol is based in Lyon, France, and is the most important police organization in the world with 194 member countries.

Through Interpol, countries exchange information on wanted persons and report developments in the field of organized crime.