PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Residents are advised to beware of COVID-19 vaccination scams occurring throughout the region and individuals are urged to report suspicious activity. During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety and confusion about the virus. As a precautionary measure, individuals should safeguard their personal information and be suspicious of opportunities to fast-track access to vaccinations.

The Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) is managing the vaccine administration process in Long Beach. Vaccine allocation is distributed according to each health jurisdiction’s workforce and vaccines are being made available to individuals in two phases with sub-phases and tiered sub-prioritization. Widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public is months away and will be provided to Long Beach residents at no cost, regardless of immigration status.

The Health Department and Police Department would like to remind residents of the following:

• City employees do not proactively contact residents requesting personal identifying or insurance information. Do not give your personal information to unknown sources.
• If someone tries to sell you a chance to jump the line or get early access to a vaccination before it’s your turn, it’s a scam.
• If someone says they can get you a special low cost deal or get you a vaccine under the table, it’s a scam.
• If someone on the street, online, on social media or knocking on your door tries to sell you a shot of vaccine, decline their offer. No one selling vaccines online is legitimate.
• If you’ve contacted the Health Department to request a vaccination and appointments are full, they may place you on a waitlist but they will not ask you to pay a fee. 

To learn more about common COVID-19 scams and fraud, visit the Long Beach Health Department COVID-19 page and the Los Angeles County Public Health website. To report a possible COVID-19 scam, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs website or call 800.593.8222. 

Individuals can report fraudulent or suspicious claims being made about vaccines, testing or treatment products by contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online. 

If you believe someone is falsely representing themselves as a City of Long Beach employee, call the City’s Emergency Communications Center at 9-1-1 or 562.435.6711.

Media inquiries can be directed to the City of Long Beach Joint Information Center, 562.570.NEWS, jic@longbeach.gov.  

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