The coronavirus has infected more than 22 million people in the United States, as of Jan. 10, 2021, according to a New York Times database. More than 373,000 people in the United States have died from this highly viral disease, causing many people to search for a vaccine desperately.

Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have released their vaccines onto the market, and Phase I vaccination is underway.

While the vaccine offers hope to many people, it opens the door for fraudsters hoping to take advantage of vulnerable people. Here is what you need to know about current vaccine scams and how you can protect yourself.

What Is the Coronavirus Vaccine Scam and How Does It Work?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the coronavirus vaccine teaches the immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes Covid-19. Due to the limited supply of the vaccine and the high demand for it, the CDC has recommended rolling out the vaccine in phases.

This, however, has given fraudsters the ability to take advantage of people’s anxiety about the virus and the vaccine’s limited availability. Thus, we are seeing a rise in scams such as:

• Selling purported “vaccines” online that are not really vaccines.
• Promising that people can “jump the line” if they pay extra for it.
• Using phishing scams where they pose as reputable healthcare providers or pharmacies to collect personal data.
• Infecting people’s computers with malware upon downloading a “vaccine schedule.”
• Committing ransomware attacks in which access to your computer files is withheld until you pay a large ransom.

If you fall for these scams, these are some consequences that you might face:

• Experiencing adverse health effects brought on by taking some unknown substance.
• Putting yourself in greater danger if you believe you have been vaccinated but actually have not.
• Losing personal data.
• Losing access to your devices.
• Experiencing identity theft.
• Losing funds when you are already in financial distress.

Who Are Vaccine Scammers Targeting?

Vaccine scammers are targeting anyone with anxiety about the vaccine. Mostly, these are vulnerable populations and people who are in greater need of the vaccine, such as seniors, healthcare workers, and people with existing medical issues that make them more susceptible to severe consequences if they contract Covid-19.

These people are more likely to be desperate for the vaccine and less likely to investigate fake offers.

What Is Online Identity Theft and What Are Its Consequences?

Online identity theft is a cybercrime usually aimed at stealing your personal or financial information. This information is often used for the thief’s own financial gain, such as making purchases or cash advances.

In the worst situations, a thief sells your personal data, hacks into your accounts, takes them over, and even sells your information online to the highest bidder. Online identity theft can result in a loss of funds, damaged credit, lawsuits, and years of problems.

What Other Covid-19 Scams Exist?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, scammers have taken advantage of the chaos and tried to benefit from it personally. They have perpetuated a number of scams on consumers, beginning with offering fake cures, fake clinical trials, unapproved at-home testing kits, and of course, fake vaccines.

Like hand sanitizer or toilet paper, items that were in short supply were often sold at inflated prices. In other situations, they were sold but never delivered.

Because there is too much-falsified information out there on the internet, it is hard to keep track of which information is accurate or not. Reliable information about the Covid-19 illness and vaccine has been hard to come by. It is crucial for you to only listen to what experts have to say and not trust anyone else.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Coronavirus Online Scams?

Here are some steps to protect yourself from coronavirus online scams:

Recognize the Warning Signs

A number of federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have posted warning signs of vaccine scams to consumers to watch out for. These include:

• Unsolicited phone calls or emails regarding a vaccine.
• Promises that you can jump the line if you pay a premium.
• Messages asking for your personal information, Medicare information, or financial information.
• Messages that have a sense of urgency or state an extreme negative consequence if you do not act immediately.

Watch Out for Unsolicited Messages

One of the most common forms of vaccine scams involves scammers using emails, text messages, phone calls, and other communication methods to try to get people to give out their private information in exchange for the vaccine.

These phishing scams sometimes purport to come from a healthcare provider. In other cases, they may pretend to be from a federal agency, such as the Centers for Disease Control.

Understand the Vaccination Process

Information is power, so make it a point to understand how the vaccination process can help you avoid becoming the latest victim of a vaccine scam.

The vaccine will start by only being available in limited quantities, giving priority to particular groups, such as frontline workers and nursing home residents. Consult a trusted resource for information on when the vaccine will be available to you, such as:

• Your primary healthcare provider
• Your pharmacy
• Centers for Disease Control
• Food and Drug Administration
• Local health departments

Avoid purchasing any supposed vaccine online and only accept a vaccine through a reputable medical provider.

Increase Your Cybersecurity

Make sure your mobile devices are up to date. Install the latest antivirus software updates. Lock your device when not in use. Avoid clicking on anything that might be from an unknown sender.

While the vaccine is on the horizon for many people, you must still be vigilant about protecting your health and identity. Follow the tips above to do both.

Have you heard about the coronavirus vaccine scams? What do you know about them? Where do you look for information concerning Covid-19? Which sources of information do you trust? Please share with our community.

Garcelle Beauvais’ Denim Zip Up Dress on Instagram

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Instagram Fashion 2021

Although she may be a cast member on one of the most XXpen$ive cities in the housewives franchise, in a surprising turn of events Garcelle Beauvais’ denim puff sleeve zip up dress on Instagram was actually super affordable. And lucky enough still up for grabs, so please allow us to Missguide you on down below…

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Missguided Dress in Regular or Petite on Sale

Photo: @Garcelle

Originally posted at: Garcelle Beauvais’ Denim Zip Up Dress

She’s been teasing us for months and now, JLo Beauty is finally here. You might not be able to shop it yet but we have all the details so you can game-plan what to add to your skincare routine. Because if the 51-year-old uses her own line, well, we know it seriously works. Just look at that “JLo Glow.”

JLo Beauty was inspired by Lopez’s lifelong mantra, The Five S’s: sleep, sunscreen, serum, supplements and sano—from the Spanish phrase, vivir sano, meaning live healthy. Lopez is all about that life, shunning drink and smoking, eating well, exercising and drinking lots of water. Self-care and skincare go hand-in-hand with this ethos.

Growing up, Lopez’s skincare routine was much simpler: Ivory soap and Avon. Her mother told her olive oil was a cure for everything so Lopez made her it was the base for her skincare line. “It’s all about the family tradition of using olive oil for skin and hair,” she told STYLECASTER. The line aims to give you hydration and a “full, youthful, glowy look.” Not that looking younger is the key to looking beautiful. Lopez tells herself, “I’m beautiful and youthful at any age.”

“I think there’s an unnatural standard with all the filters and fillers in the world right now,” she continues. “Aging in a graceful way is a crazy thought. You look great, whatever age you are. Not great for 50, great period!” Not that she wakes up feeling amazing every day. Lopez is actually human. “I have mornings I wake up and feel like crap,” she admits. “I tell myself, like my idol Barbra Streisand, ‘Hello, gorgeous!’ I tell myself I’m going to have the best day ever, the best day yet.”

Source: Instagram

Keep reading for all the details on the new eight-piece line that officially launches January 1. But set your iCal, because you can get early access to shop on December 8.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

JLo Beauty.

That Fresh Take Eye Cream with Peptides

This hydrating eye cream is packed with patented peptides to help smooth fine lines, sugar-derived matrix for firming and a blurring complex to hide the look of dark circles.

JLo Beauty.

That Hit Single Gel-Cream Cleanser

This gel-cream cleanser features the brand’s Olive Complex, an antioxidant-rich, olive blend of
squalane, fermented oil, extra virgin oil and leaf extract for all-day hydration.

JLo Beauty.

That JLo Glow Serum with Olive Complex

Here’s that JLo-glow promise in a tube. It contains the Olive Complex, as well as yeast-derived ferment for softer skin, Japanese rice sake ferment for brightening and sugar-derived matrix for firming.

JLo Beauty.

That Limitless Glow Sheet Mask

Keep the glow going with serum-packed sheet masks.

JLo Beauty.

That Star Filter Highlighting Complexion Booster

Would it be a JLo line without bronzer and highlighter? In three shades, mineral pigments give an instant glow. Use it alone or add it to moisturizer.

JLo Beauty.

That Inner Love

Lopez says “you can’t really have great skin if you don’t do something from the inside out.” This supplement contains olive extract, vitamin E, manganese and copper. Check with your doctor to make sure they’re the right vitamins for you.

JLo Beauty.

That Blockbuster Wonder Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

Along with the Olive Complex, this “wonder cream” is full of antioxidant-rich peptides, hyaluronic acid and yeast-derived ferment for silky smooth skin.

JLo Beauty.

That Big Screen Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Forget having great skin without sunscreen! Not only does this one have broad spectrum SPF30, but it also contains marine bamboo to help protect skin from blue light, as well as hyaluronic acid,
glycerin and natural sugars for hydration. 

Additional reporting by Alana Peden.

This funny thing called OLD.
Just who could solve its mystery?
Why should it make
A fool of me?

We use the word old to describe millions of people, things and events every day. Old friend, old pal, old man, old woman, old boy, old fool, old chap, old love, old tree, old book, old chair, old-fashioned, older than dirt!

Have you noticed how differently people approach this common three-letter word? It will describe everyone on the face of this earth sooner or later. There are no exceptions.

So, when do people begin to think of someone as old? Is it the number of years they’ve lived? Is it the way they walk, talk, look, act and think? Or do some of us take on being old by choice? And, is it reversible – this choice to be old?

Living Life Regardless of a Number

Somewhere in my past, I made a decision to exist as though there would never be a number that determined or defined the path of my chosen gypsy life. It has worked for me. It can work for you, regardless of your number.

If you are curious about my number, it is closing in on 88. Now, what is your first thought? Let me guess: she’s an old woman, an old hag, an old bag, the old bat!

She must have trouble getting around. She probably doesn’t have much longer to live. She ceased long ago being a motivator, a stimulator or an activator. She’s not even a participator. She no longer inspires or even desires. Her libido has gone absenteedo.

She sits alone with her TV and the company of a testy old tabby cat. Her diet is carefully planned. No scratchy, spicy dishes or seedy, citrus fruits that false teeth won’t tolerate. Strained baby food – that’s probably what she eats. But wait. Good news – she enjoys an occasional thimble of booze!

Challenging the Idea of Old

Why not investigate the truth about old? If we’ve got at least one marble left in our head, we know the “forever young” idea is a marketing myth brought to life by make-up moguls and Botox bandits.

Growing older is inevitable. It’s how we grow that keeps us young. You don’t need a geriatric workshop to master the necessary steps toward your new choice not to be old. You just need an appointment with yourself to engage the space between your ears for a me-to-me chat about how you plan to go forward.

I have a familiar phrase taped atop my computer monitor and prominently displayed on my refrigerator door:

“What are you waiting for?”

I like being jogged by this challenging quote. It speaks to me daily as a reminder that life, from the day we are born, is brief. What are we waiting for? Take some time today to ask yourself this question. Plant it between your ears and let it bloom. Let go of your number, make a plan and follow a dream. Look up and out. Get moving!

What are you waiting for?

How have you seen people approach the concept of age? Do you agree that for some being old is a choice? How have you challenged stereotypes about this three-letter word? Please share in the comments.

The tough times keep getting tougher, rougher, and more challenging. This past year, all our best intentions have been applied, discarded, salvaged, and rebirthed in a somewhat muted, less enthusiastic form. We survived 2020, but still have a rough year ahead. What’s a person to do?

Befriending Gratitude

I’ve been struck by the practices two of my friends have employed throughout the pandemic. They are deliberate, thoughtful, allowing for growth and a ‘soft landing’. In other words, if the intention of the practices don’t work one day, the recovery time is fast and forgiving and the next day, they begin again.

My friend Liz posts on Instagram most days. She features photographs that focus on the positive and hopeful. These are often pieces of art, gifts of nature found in small hints of glory, the hope and joy a tree filled with lights can bring. All small moments captured with a lens of a positive outlook.

Seeing those throughout the week reminds me that there are always pieces of our world, simple and clear, to be appreciated. The posts also remind me of who Liz is and the importance of emulating her example. She is deliberately choosing those moments, wandering in search of beauty, whimsy, and humor. That is Liz; ever mindful, ever selecting the higher path.

Other pals shine through in their own ways with upbeat comments, humor, wisdom, and plain, down to earth inner strength. But each friend chooses gratitude in one form or another rather than what isn’t working in their lives right now.

It’s the Practice, Not the Form, That Counts

We all have ways we remind ourselves to be grateful despite the inclination to dwell on the horrible. We don’t even need an Instagram or Twitter account, a gratitude journal or sticky notes. Yes, those tools help, but the primary spark for expression of appreciation of all the good things that surround us can be friends like Liz; people who are deliberate in what they choose to focus on.

The Framing of Grace

I have another friend who has been coping with a devastating cancer throughout the horrendous unfolding of the pandemic. The appreciation she expresses about the basic ‘givens’ of life that most of us are forgetting these days is, in the truest sense of the word, awesome.

She has continually reminded me what a gift good health is, how a friendship can grow deeper with the magnifier of being truly cherished, and how inspirational it is to see a warrior fight her battle with dignity and courage. She exemplifies grace in its truest form.

Finding Grace

As a result of my friend’s example, I have found myself reflecting upon how I can bring more grace into my life when I first awaken, remember what is happening in the world, and brace myself for the day.

I am trying to build more of an awareness of the gentleness of forgiveness, the courage of taking the high road, and how complicated choices can be uncomplicated when surrounded by the good will that a sense of grace can bring.

I have a long, long way to go in this particular journey. Luckily, have been inspired to consider my friend’s example and register how truly pure and sacred that grace, in all its forms, can be.

Recognizing the Champions

We all have acquaintances like Liz and my dear friend with cancer – people who set the bar, lead the way, and inspire us. We can, during this new year, choose to emulate their inspirational practices and express appreciation for their example of how to choose grace and gratitude in the darkest of times.

It’s actually a lovely exercise to look around, recognize those who have mastered the two G’s, and thank those practitioners for leading the way.

We will make it through this darkness, but it behooves us to pay attention to those who always hold the light within.

Who among your friends and acquaintances teaches you about gratitude and grace? What is their example of the two G’s? How are they helping you grow and learn to appreciate the small things in life? Please share in the comments below.