Don't Fall Victim to COVID-19 Scams

Don’t Fall Victim to COVID-19 Scams

Written by Nathan Woolard

As our communities and the world find ourselves trying to navigate our way along the uncertain path set for us by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also be vigilant to protect ourselves from those who are trying to take advantage of a panicked society.

In an advisory released by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger warned that “Fraudsters frequently prey upon vulnerable individuals during difficult times.”

Scams linked to the current COVID-19 pandemic are taking multiple forms, from phone calls and emails to fake websites and posts on social media.  Examples include:

• Treatment scams.  These scammers offer to sell fake advice, cures, or vaccines for COVID-19.
• Phishing scams.  Emails are sent out from scammers pretending to be from national and global health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.  These phishing messages are designed to download malware or to extract personal or financial information.
• App scams.  Some mobile apps alleging to track the spread of the virus are also created by scammers with the intent of inserting malware that compromises devices and personal information.
• Provider scams.  Scammers reach out via phone or email, posing as doctors or hospitals and demanding payment for treatment supposedly given to friends or family with COVID-19.
• Supply scams.  Fake shops put up fronts using websites, social media accounts, and emails and claim to sell high-demand medical products like protective masks.  Attempted purchases never arrive, while the scammers pocket your money.
• Charity scams.  These frauds ask for donations to allegedly be given to people or communities affected by COVID-19.
• Stimulus check scams.  Phone calls, texts, emails, and websites asking for personal or financial information in order to provide you with a $1,200 federal payment are NOT legitimate.  If you are eligible for relief, you will not be asked to pay a fee to receive your stimulus check.  Messages claiming to offer a check are likely phishing scams attempting to access your bank account or other personal information.  Credible information on stimulus checks will be shared on www.irs.gov.

There are many steps you can take to protect yourself from these types of scams.  The most important approach is to independently verify the identity of any contact you receive about COVID-19, be they individuals or larger companies or organizations.  Avoid unsolicited emails on the subject, especially those requesting personal information, and be aware that scammers often use addresses that only differ slightly from the entity they are impersonating; for example, a scammer might use “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” as opposed to the official “cdc.gov.”  Always research companies offering relevant products or supplies or charities requesting donations, and never send money through wire transfer, gift card, or mail.  And of course, as always, do not click suspicious links or attachments in emails and make sure that your anti-malware and anti-virus software is updated and operating.  In these uncertain times, a healthy dose of extra caution on top of your standard security procedures can go a long way toward lightening the stress on your shoulders.