COVID-19 Scams
Please be aware that thieves and con artists are looking to take advantage of people’s fears when it comes to COVID-19. They are developing and selling bogus products, using websites, telemarketing, texts, emails and social media posts as a way to obtain your personal information and to ultimately take your money. They may attempt to solicit donations for phony victims, promote awareness, prevention tips and fake information about cases in your community, They may offer advice about unproven treatments, and contain spyware, malware or other malicious attachments.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) or other experts professing updated information about the virus. If you want the most up to date information visit the websites of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Know who you are donating to, before making a donation, and don’t be pressured into making a donation, especially if they are asking for a donation of cash, gift card or by wiring money
- Don’t Click on links from any sources that you don’t know, like unsolicited emails or ads, both could download a virus, spyware or malware onto your computer or device. Make sure your anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date
- Be suspicious about bogus “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions, including on social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure Coronavirus and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result
Here is a collection of Scams that have been announced by Federal and State Agencies in regards to the current outbreak of COVID-19.
- Dominion Energy Scams Threatening to Disconnect Utilities - 1 May 2020
- Online Extortion Scams increasing during the COVID-19 crisis - 25 April 2020
- Coronavirus Stimulus Payment Scams: What you need to know - 20 April 2020
- Alert for Small Business Owners needing PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) Loans - 17 April 2020
- Fake Check Scams - 14 April 2020
- Scammers are using COVID-19 messages to scam people - 10 April 2020
- Coronavirus checks: Flattening the Scam Curve - 08 April 2020
- Avoiding SSA scams during COVID-19 - 08 April 2020
- Avoid scams while finding help during quarantine - 07 April 2020
- Grandparent Scams in the age of Coronavirus - 3 April 2020
- FDA Alerts Consumers About Unauthorized Fraudulent COVID-19 Test Kits - 27 March 2020
- Sprays and pills that cure it all? Not true - 25 March 2020
- Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus - 22 March 2020
- FTC: Coronavirus scams, Part 2 - 21 March 2020
- BBB-Stimulus Triggers Coronavirus Scam - 19 March 2020
- Checks from the government - 18 March 2020
- BBB Scam Alert: Afraid of Getting Sick? Don’t Fall for a Coronavirus Con - 12 March 2020
- BBB Scam Alert: Preparing for Coronavirus? That Face Mask Could be a Con - 09 March 2020
Helpful Links
- https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-and-bulletins/ia_coronavirus
- https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker
- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams
- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0167-miracle-health-claims
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/
- https://www.ready.gov/pandemic