Public health warns of fraudulent vaccination appointment texts

GUELPH – Public health officials are warning residents about a COVID-19 vaccination appointment texting scam that aims to obtain their personal information.

"Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has been alerted to texts received by some residents," states a March 26 press release from the health unit.

"These texts encourage people to call a number similar to the COVID-19 booking help line (1-844-480-0202) and provide their driver’s license and other information to confirm their identity for their vaccination appointment."

The correct number to contact WDGPG for COVID-19 vaccination appointments is 1-844-780-0202.

Officials say WDGPH will only contact individuals with vaccination appointments "to either remind them of their appointment or to advise them of a cancellation or change to the appointment."

"If you receive a text like this, please contact your local law enforcement or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and do not respond to the message," states the WDGPH release.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/vaccine.