Don’t Fall for this H1N1 Scam!

The email appears to originate with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and speaks of a “State Vaccination Program.” The reader is prompted to create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccination Profile on the CDC website.

WARNING: The email is a hoax — nothing but a phishing scam. The CDC has no state vaccination program requiring registration.

By following the prompts you are putting yourself at risk of having malicious code installed on your computer in an attempt to steal usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information in order to access your online banking accounts.

The CDC offers these tips:

Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.

Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.

Use caution when entering personal information online.

An example of the phishing email follows:

Subject: State Vaccination Program

You have received this email because of the launching of State Vaccination H1N1 Program.

You need to create your personal H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccination Profile on the cdc.gov website. The Vaccination is not obligatory but every person that has reached the age of 18 has to have his personal Vaccination Profile on the cdc.gov website. This profile has to be created both for the vaccinated people and the not-vaccinated ones. This program is used for the registering system of vaccinated people and not-vaccinated people. Create your personal H1N1 Vaccination Profile using this link: Create Personal Profile

Caution should also be taken regarding unsolicited emails about H1N1 cures. It is highly unlikely that the CDC, your doctor, or other legitimate source would email you directly on important matters of health.

As always, when you have doubts about an unsolicited email, check the long headers in your email and, rather than click on the links, visit the website by typing the actual address into your web browser’s address bar – for example, www.cdc.gov.

Related Reading:

The Care2 Swine Flu Project

Swine Flu in the Workplace: No Sick Days? Sneeze into your Elbow

Swine Flu November Update

Get my updates on Twitter @AnnPietrangelo

Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jen K.

10:29AM PST on Dec 10, 2009

Actually, my ability to send messages on the Care2 system has been temporarily impaired. Anyone who wants information about my business, protecting identities and legal empowerment, and making money helping others to do the same can go to the following website:

ppl.blastoffnetwork.com/jodifeisen48 and click on all the videos.

send a green star

Catman P.

6:19AM PST on Dec 10, 2009

This is disturbing.

2:47AM PST on Dec 10, 2009

Wow! Thanks for that info. I work with a company that provides identity theft protection, not just for credit cards but also for medical, social security, character, and drivers license. I mean, what if someone committed a crime with your identity and presented it when released on bail but you didn't show up? The company I work with can help restore that. But, I didn't know about this scam. Thanks for letting me know. PS for info on my company, contact my profile inbox. I will be glad to write you back.

Daniel b.

9:59PM PST on Dec 9, 2009

wow that is really messed up

Lynne N.

7:32PM PST on Dec 9, 2009

This appears to be a scam, but so is the H1N1 flu scare and vaccination. I guess it is a matter of who responds to who.

Lori K.

10:57PM PST on Dec 8, 2009

It is sad that some people are so venal as to use peoples' health concerns as a means to bilk them. I know it is like the snake oil salesman of yore, but it still makes me sad.

Lilith G.

2:17PM PST on Dec 8, 2009

Thanks for the info.

Eric E.

1:04PM PST on Dec 8, 2009

It looks suspicious to me because I've seen these things before, but I know some who might be taken in. Thanks for posting.

Caralien S.

11:27AM PST on Dec 8, 2009

People still fall for these scams?

First question: where did they get my email--even my doctor doesn't have my email address.

If I were into conspiracy theories and thought the government cared enough to send me a personal note via the information they had on file, well, I'd consider myself nuts enough not to want to provide even more information to those dastardly characters invading my privacy.

Unless, of course, it was from a Nigerian prince with $1,000,000 to share with me or even someone with a really good piece of the Brooklyn Bridge to sell.

Vetch H.

9:09AM PST on Dec 8, 2009

Life is dangerous...