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Cybersecurity expert Mike Stamas learned of the $79.99 Pfizer scam when the Rochester television station interviewed him about it. He told AARP that he’s “not surprised at all” that
criminals are out for quick cash during a global health crisis, observing, “Criminals exploit things that are hot in the media as a way to steal.” Stamas, 42, cofounder of GreyCastle
Security in Troy, New York, said the pandemic serves as a reminder to everyone to adhere to good practices with computer devices, passwords and cybersecurity in general. Stamas lives with
his father, 83, and always reminds his computer-savvy dad not to click on suspicious emails, respond to unsolicited offers, or interact with a stranger via an email, chat or a website. “It’s
a benefit to have a healthy paranoia,” Stamas said. “And if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.” OFFICIALS FEAR PAST IS PROLOGUE At the HHS Office of Inspector General, the
department’s watchdog arm, an official told AARP on Dec. 8 that so far, it had seen “few signs” of coronavirus vaccine fraud. The watchdog issued its alert based on the way scammers have
quickly altered their tactics and schemes throughout the pandemic, spokesperson Tesia Williams said. Scams have varied: selling overpriced or nonexistent personal protective equipment and
cleaning products; touting fake cures and treatments; setting up phony testing sites for COVID-19; and cheating government COVID-19 relief programs. “It is incumbent upon us to alert the
public of likely schemes and what people can do to protect themselves,” Williams said. Pfizer, based in New York City, did not respond to questions from AARP about the reported scam call for
a $79.99 vaccine. But since May the global drug company has been warning people about COVID-19 scammers, including counterfeiters, “who scheme to make a profit by price gouging, selling
dangerous fake medicines or perpetrating scams on unsuspecting customers.” “During a crisis, scammers are more prevalent than ever,” Pfizer cautioned, “preying on your fears and targeting
those desperate for a solution.” _Editor's note: This article was originally published December 9, 2020 and has been updated with new information on the coronavirus vaccine. _