How To Avoid Covid-19 Scams!
By on April 15, 2020
There is so much in the news everyday about Covid-19. New updates come out daily and whether we like it or not…. we are all glued to coverage just waiting for the next glimmer of hope that we’ll get back to some kinda normal soon.
Until then, we HAVE to be vigilant on scammers out there! Most are targeting either young people or senior citizens as well…..No one is safe- you gotta be prepared! If we weren’t stressed out enough… now we have to be on full alert that someone who might be calling or emailing us may be out to scam us! Here are a few scams to watch out for:
1.) COVID-19 Product Scams: We all know how hard face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers and medical supplies are to find. Watch out for criminals calling you or soliciting to you that they have a stash of supplies. They’ll ask you for payment upfront and then not deliver.
2.) Stimulus Check Scams: Scammers are calling people pretending to be from the bank to confirm your account numbers and bank info to “help” get your stimulus check quicker. So much confusing info has been coming out on the news on how much people are getting, when the checks are coming…. So scammers are capitalizing on people who might be confused with an overload of info.
3.) COVID-19 Fake Tests/ Cure Kits: It was reported that scammers were in a local Bay Area city going door to door trying to sell fake cures and even test. The CDC (Center of Disease Control) says no such test exist, so be careful! If someone knocks on your door, call your local non-emergency police department number. You can also call, The National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721.
4.) Work From Home Scams: A scammer will call offering a “too good to be true” job opportunity to work from home. The only thing you have to do they say is, “pay a small fee to access the online training.” Watch out if that call comes to you! Millions of people are out of work right now, just trying to stay afloat with their financial stability…this might sound like a great plan. Please be aware and do your background check when you can.
5.) Government Agencies don’t communicate to people directly throught Instagram or Facebook. So please be careful before you click on a link or respond.
There are so many scams out there— Please be careful and vigilant and stay one step ahead of the scammers. Most of all, stay safe!
