PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Scammers who use a false promise of a COVID-19 vaccine have attracted the attention of a federal prosecutor.

U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank of Maine says federal, state and local agencies have fielded complaints about the scams.

The scammers typically use demand for the vaccine as a way to pry personal information such as Social Security numbers from victims.

Frank called the scammers “ruthless and relentless” and added “everyone needs to have their guard up.” Also Tuesday, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said the state has topped 600 deaths since the start of the pandemic.