A Covid-19 shot for US$150? Online scams surge as slow vaccine rollout frustrates

A woman getting her second and final dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine in Chicago. The US FBI and Interpol, among others, have warned of emerging pandemic-related fraud schemes, saying false cures and vaccines advertised on fake websites could pose cyber threats and a significant risk to peoples’ health, or even lives. — Chicago Sun-Times via AP

NEW YORK: As millions of people await their turn to get a Covid-19 vaccine that could be months away, scammers online, in emails and on messaging apps are luring victims with claims they can deliver shots within days for as little as US$150 (RM601).

Covid-19 vaccine scams are on the rise, according to European and US government officials who are warning the public of fraudsters out for money and personal data.