Don't Post Your Vaccination Card Online
If you receive a notification that you will soon be receiving your COVID-19 vaccine, it's natural to want to share the good news. But experts warn that scammers could potentially use the information on your vaccine card to create and sell fake vaccination cards.
Recently, there has been a surge in social media posts featuring people's vaccine cards. Before you post your vaccine card online, think twice. Your vaccine card contains personal information such as your name, date of birth, and where and when you were vaccinated. Posting this information could give criminals the data they need to create fake vaccination cards.
These cards are important proof that people have been vaccinated, and if scammers steal your card, they could use it to enter public places or receive a second dose of the vaccine. Moreover, they could profit from your personal information since healthcare records sell for more on the dark web than Social Security or credit card numbers.
Protecting your online data is just as important as your physical wellness. Therefore, it's crucial not to post photos online that include your name and other identifiable information. However, if you choose to post such information, take the following precautions:
- Adjust your privacy settings
- Before sharing your vaccine card or any personal information on social media, consider who you want to share the news with and what platform to use. It's better to create private groups or limit the visibility of your post to people you trust. Make sure to update your privacy settings accordingly to control who can see your posts.
- Use alternative ways to share
- Instead of sharing a picture of your vaccine card, consider sharing a photo of yourself outside the vaccination center or with an "I got vaccinated" sticker (if provided by the center). This way, you can still share the good news without giving away personal information that scammers could use.
By following these steps, you can celebrate your vaccination and protect your online security at the same time.
