With more and more people in our region and around the globe now under “Stay at Home” or “Stay in Place” orders the reality is many individuals, young and old, are spending more time online. Unfortunately, one of the outcomes of an already difficult situation created by the pandemic is increased activity by criminals looking to take advantage of these uncertain times.
According to the United States Department of Justice, a number of new scams and fraudulent activities related to people’s concerns and fears around the COVID-19 pandemic are springing up online and, in some cases, face-to-face.
Below is a partial list of scams identified by the Department of Justice.
Fake COVID-19 Test Kits or Cures
Be suspicious of any individual or “business” offering to sell you testing kits, a supposed cure for COVID-19, immunity pills or protective equipment. According to the Department of Justice these counterfeit products are being pushed online and in some cases door-to-door.
Phishing emails from the World Health Organization, etc.
A new tactic being used by scammers is a fake email that appears to be coming from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or other health-related entities. Typically, these organizations would never contact you directly by email.
Malicious websites “sharing” virus related information
Malicious websites aren’t a new tactic by scammers but new sites have appeared that give the appearance of providing or sharing information regarding the coronavirus. Scammers use these websites to gain and lock access to your personal electronic devices until you send them a payment. So be sure you only visiting websites you know you can trust to get information on the pandemic.
Social media scams that ask for your banking information
In times like these people want to help in any way they can… and scammers know it. That’s why they are using social media to fraudulently ask for donations to help others affected by the pandemic. They are also using social media, claiming to provide stimulus funds. In both instances, the scammer will ask for your bank account information.
Remember, NEVER provide your bank account information.
Calls offering to sell respiratory masks
Demand for respiratory masks is on the rise and criminals are taking advantage of the fear and concern about being able to protect yourself. The Department of Justice has learned of robocalls making fraudulent offers to sell respiratory masks. These calls ask for payment over the phone but there is no intent to deliver any masks.
Testing scam to get your Medicare information
In the scam, the “bait” is an offer to provide free COVID-19 testing but that they require enough information to be able to obtain your Medicare beneficiary information. Using this information, the scammers can submit false medical claims for unrelated, unnecessary, or fictitious testing or services.
Other Important Information on Scams & Fraud
Protect your children
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a reminder that children, all of whom in our state are currently home from school, are likely to spend more time online. This activity can increase the risk of exploitation. Protecting our children is incredibly important and it si also important to remember that anyone of any age can be targeted by hackers and scammers.
Stimulus disbursements will create more opportunities for scams
It is important to know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally contacts taxpayers through the traditional U.S. postal system. The IRS WILL NOT typically contact you by phone, text, email, or social media. If someone contacts you to confirm personal details, including bank information,
IT IS A SCAM.
NOTE: For most individuals, no action will be needed to receive the stimulus payments. It is automatic for any U.S. citizen who qualifies and who has previously provided direct deposit information to the IRS. For individuals who have not previously provided direct deposit information or who have not filed tax returns in 2018 or 2019, the IRS will provide guidance through
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus; the process for these individuals will likely involve the filing of a simple tax return.
There are more scams – so be extra vigilant
Criminals will continue to come up with new methods to use the pandemic to take advantage of the concerns, fears, boredom, and urge to help that Americans are facing in order to steal valuable information or money. So always be on your guard and remind your loved ones to do the same.
Report potential fraud
To report potential COVID-19 fraud, individuals may contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at
866-720-5721 or via email at
disaster@leo.gov, report it to the FBI at
tips.fbi.gov, or submit complaints of cyber scams to
https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.