The Uncas Health District and Norwich police are warning residents of a telephone and internet scam related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Both the health district and Norwich police were made aware by concerned residents of recent reports of scammers who pose as vaccinators and ask for sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and bank information.

“Consumers will never be asked for this information or payment to receive the vaccine,” Uncas Health District Director Patrick McCormack said.

Norwich police Chief Patrick Daley said people should not be discouraged from getting COVID-19 vaccinations by the scams.

“It is extremely unfortunate that there are those who prey on the weak in a time of illness and anxiety,” Daley said. “As always, we should keep our guard up and never provide sensitive information to someone over the phone or internet if we are not 100% sure.”

Both agencies reminded the public never to pay anything to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine and not to trust any promotional offers related to the vaccines. Ignore sales advertisements related to the vaccine, which cannot be purchased anywhere. Vaccines are available only at federal and state-approved locations and are offered at no cost to anyone.

Beware of unsolicited emails or texts concerning the vaccine, including offers of rewards or payments. Emails and texts from health care providers or authorized vaccine providers come only after the recipients have signed up for them. Anyone who receives suspicious communications should contact their health care or vaccine provider.

“Do not share personal, financial, or health information with unfamiliar people,” the agencies wrote in a news release on the scams. “Nobody from a vaccine distribution site, (health care) provider, pharmacy, or health care payer alike, a private insurance company or Medicare will call, text, or email consumers asking for their Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account number in connection with the vaccine.”

People who become aware of a vaccine-related scam or believe they may be victims of scams should file complaints with state and local authorities. Suspicious activities related to vaccine distribution practices or concerns for public health should be reported to local law enforcement or local public health officials.

Suspected fraud or business-related scams can be reported to the state Department of Consumer Protection at www.ct.gov/DCP or send an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov. Those who believe they have been victims of scams or have been contacted by scammers should contact the state attorney general by calling (860) 808-5318 or emailing attorney.general@ct.gov.

For the most up-to-date information about how to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Connecticut, visit the state’s website, ct.gov/covidvaccine. General information about the vaccine is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19. The state’s 211 information telephone hotline also is available 24 hours a day.