Interpol issues global alert against Covid-19 vaccine scams
Paris, Aug 16 (EFE).- The International Criminal Police Organization on Monday warned its members against verified fraud attempts related to the sale of false Covid-19 vaccines.
A total of 60 cases were recorded in 40 countries of employees of health ministries or hospitals being offered fraudulent deals for vaccines, Interpol said in a statement.
The scammers usually introduce themselves as representatives of a vaccine manufacturer or a government agency in charge of distribution via personal emails or sometimes by phone.
Interpol decided to warn its members based on data collected by pharmaceutical laboratories in connection to deceptive practices, including the use of fake social media accounts and websites.
The secretary-general, Jürgen Stock, stressed the importance of cooperation between the private and public sectors to tackle these attempts.
“Even when a fraud fails, it is important that it is reported to the police so that potential links can be identified,” he said in the statement.
“And also, as in the case of the alert Interpol has issued, to warn law enforcement about these threats,” he added
In 2020, Interpol launched its Global Financial Crime Task Force to improve international cooperation and innovation against cyber fraud and money laundering related to crimes committed by those who take advantage of the Covid-19 crisis. EFE
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