Ness Highlights National Consumer Protection Week, Alerts Residents to Vaccine-Related Scams

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – As National Consumer Protection Week begins, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is alerting residents to vaccine scams and other COVID-19 related fraud.

“Our community has come together in many ways as we continue to fight the COVID-19 health crisis. Unfortunately, there are scammers always looking for ways to take advantage of others, especially during these difficult times,” said Ness. “While the continued expansion of access to the coronavirus vaccine is extremely encouraging, we must be wary of potential scams. Fraudsters have been preying upon residents by promising early access to the vaccine in exchange for money or personal information.”

Ness is warning residents of potential vaccine scams and resources to report fraud during National Consumer Protection Week. To learn more about how to avoid vaccine scams, learn the difference between real and fake contact tracers, and get other tips to protect yourself from COVID-19 specific scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) coronavirus information portal at ftc.gov/coronavirus. FTC also offers a variety of information on recognizing and avoiding scams online and over the phone, as well as consumer education resources on financial management and credit, buying and renting homes and privacy protection.

“If you have questions about the validity of vaccine-related information you have received, I encourage you to contact the McHenry or Kane County Health Departments. It is better to be safe than sorry, and like in most situations, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is,” reminds Ness.

To reach the Kane County Health Department, call 630-208-3801. To reach the McHenry County Department of Health, call 815-459-5151. For more information, contact Rep. Ness’ full-time constituent service office by calling 224-484-8620 or emailing info@repsnessil66.com.