Malaysians Told To Stay Away From Covid-19 Fakes, Counterfeits, Ads & Scams
Interpol warned of increased criminal activity relating to Covid-19 vaccines.
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Malaysians are told to stay the heck away from fake ads and scams selling Covid-19 vaccines online.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah explained that coronavirus vaccines are strictly not for sale in Malaysia and can only be supplied and administered by the government or authorised private healthcare institutions.
Though our own search results turned up nothing, images of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine being offered on Shopee’s 3.3 sale for RM63.88 were spreading online.
In response, officials from Shopee told the press that no such ad had ever been featured on its marketplace and advised its consumers to report anything fishy they might see to the authorities.
The Health DG also told the public to stay clear of counterfeit vaccines being sold on the market and only get their inoculations from the Health Ministry (MOH) and trustworthy sources.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister (Defense) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also advised the rakyat not to be fooled by people offering Covid-19 vaccines through phone calls.
Online & offline threats
Law enforcement agencies from around the world are working to combat the spread of counterfeit vaccines, misbranded drugs claiming to treat Covid-19 as well as other crimes relating to the logistics of the coronavirus vaccine.
The international police organization or Interpol issued a global “Orange Notice” alert warning that the pandemic had triggered an increase in opportunistic and criminal behaviour as syndicates target unsuspecting victims with fakes and scams.
Interpol also revealed that fake pharmaceutical websites promoting vaccine sales are filled with malware and other cyber threats.
The rise in criminal activity has also sparked increased security for vaccine deliveries as shipments are considered prime targets for criminals and armed militia groups.
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