Interpol issued a global warning Wednesday that organized crime groups could target the upcoming coronavirus vaccination campaigns by peddling fake shots and stealing supplies, according to reports.
The international police agency, which is headquartered in France, said it had alerted law enforcement in its 194 member countries about the possibility that organized crime networks will take advantage of the health crisis as vaccines are rolled out, Reuters reported.
“As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organizations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains,” Interpol secretary general Juergen Stock said.
“Criminal networks will also be targeting unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives,” he added.
In July, Interpol had warned about the proliferation of fake coronavirus testing kits and other medical products as countries rushed to secure supplies during the outbreak, according to Agence France-Presse.
The agency’s cybercrime unit recently probed about 3,000 websites linked to online pharmacies selling illicit drugs and other medical supplies, of which 1,700 also used phishing techniques to try to dupe people into handing over personal data.
“It is important to be vigilant, be skeptical and be safe, as offers which appear too good to be true usually are,” the agency said.