Scammers Exploit Former Washington Vaccine Hotline for Fraud

Scammers have taken control of the former Washington state vaccine hotline, exploiting it to extract sensitive banking information from unsuspecting callers. The Washington State Department of Health announced this situation earlier this month, stating that it no longer owns the phone number 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357). In a public advisory on Facebook, the department cautioned residents against calling the number, as scammers were soliciting personal details including bank account numbers.

The hotline, which was previously a legitimate resource for vaccine-related inquiries, was utilized by the health department as recently as 2022. At that time, it provided guidance on preventing the spread of the mpox virus and earlier served to direct residents to information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.

In its warning, the health department emphasized that the agency would never request banking information from the public. Residents seeking official vaccine information are advised to call 866-397-0337 or visit the department’s website at doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization.

The misuse of the hotline underscores the ongoing risks associated with scams that exploit public health resources. The Washington State Department of Health is working to inform the community about the importance of using verified contact methods for health-related inquiries.

Officials encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls or activities linked to the fraudulent hotline. As the public continues to navigate health-related information, awareness and caution are crucial in preventing fraudulent schemes.