Beware of Coronavirus Scammers
Generally, at this time of year, consumer agencies alert people about tax scammers, but this year with the coronavirus outbreak, it's different. Scammers quickly created schemes to prey on older people, especially. The Federal Trade Commission reported it received more than 7,800 complaints of corona-related scams in the first three months of this year, which is double what it was about a week ago. What's even worse is the losses associated with these scams are at ~$4.6 million.
Some of the scams thus far include peddling fake cures, asking for donations to phony charities, and selling needed items such as masks, hand sanitizer and toilet paper at greatly inflated prices. In some states, scammers are offering products that prevent people from contracting the virus.
The AARP reports a range of scams, including text messages falsely claiming to be from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, asking their prey to click on a link for a "coronavirus preparedness test" which then downloads malware onto their devices. Additionally, scam robocalls are promoting at-home coronavirus test kits paid for by Medicare.
The Federal Trade Commission offers these recommendations to avoid being a victim of a coronavirus scam:
Hang up on all robocalls. Do not push any buttons.
Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. They do not exist yet.
Check the facts before you respond.
Don't buy from people or companies you don't know.
Don't respond to emails or texts about checks from the government.
Don't click on links from people you don't know.
Don't be influenced by emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus.
Do your homework before contributing to a charity or organization.
For more information about seven different scams targeting businesses, the Federal Trade Commission offers these details.
For the most recent information from the Federal Trade Commission on coronavirus scams and how to file a complaint, click here.
The AARP offers this information regarding coronavirus scams:
Be alert and share this information with your friends and family. Protect your loved ones from being taken advantage of financially and emotionally.