FDA warns public against buying COVID-19 vaccines online

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday warned the public against accessing COVID-19 vaccines through online selling platforms and social media.

In an advisory, the FDA said the “scam” targets people who prefer certain brands of vaccine, specifically overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It mentioned vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna.

“The modus operandi of the scammers includes offering a promo deal like buy 2 take 1 deal. Once you place your order to the online selling platform, the seller will send a chat message and will give his private contact numbers, usually Viber, WeChat or WhatsApp. Payment will be requested to be settled through GCash or bank transfer prior arrangement of delivery,” the FDA said.

“After the payment, another person/number will send a message asking for courier or delivery fee. When the delivery fee has been paid, another person will send a message asking for the payment of the insurance fee. No vaccine product will be delivered even when all payments have been settled,” it added.

The regulatory agency emphasized that the marketing and sale of  COVID-19 vaccines in the country are currently prohibited, adding the vaccines are given by the government free of charge.

It appealed to the public to report to the FDA any sale or distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The FDA said there are no counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines available in the country.

The Philippines has received more than 70 million vaccine doses from seven manufacturers since February 28.—AOL, GMA News