DETROIT – With the COVID-19 vaccine starting to be distributed more widely people are rushing online to get signed up.
For a whole lot of us that means logging into your patient portal.
Now the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Better Business Bureau are issuing security warnings you need to hear before doing just that.
Here is what you need to look out for when getting signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
There is more concern over online safety as a growing number of people work to create patient portal accounts or get connected with medical professionals.
VIEW: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine doses
More: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases
The FBI continues to track any suspicious activity. Investigators are working to track new scams.
If you get an email from your health care provider, either call them directly or head to its website yourself to enter any personal information.
You may be asked to enter your name, date of birth, and address but it is not necessary to enter your social security number or any banking information.
“Beware of what sites you are visiting and the places your information is being shared. What they’re really looking to do is get your personal information and or potentially your credit card information. Stay away from it. All they’re doing is trying to collect information,” said Melanie Duquesnel of the BBB.
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 525,612 as of Tuesday, including 13,501 deaths, state officials report.
Tuesday’s update includes 1,994 new cases and 100 additional deaths.
Read more: COVID-19 vaccine questions? Ask the doctor