Scam Alert: Phone calls offering early access to vaccines ... for a fee

The Olympia Police Department warned of a new scam involving fraudulent phone calls requesting payment for early access to a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, it’s not possible to pay for early access to a vaccine dose, and any offer is a scam. Don’t provide anyone making such promises with payment or personal information.

“If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP!” reads a tweet from the Federal Trade Commission.

Scammers use urgency and fear to trick potential victims, the Olympia Police Department wrote in a tweet.

“Don’t be afraid to hang up and call back your health care provider on a known, trusted number,” OPD tweeted.