Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19. They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information. The attempts could be delivered to you via direct calls, emails, texts or social media posts and could be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims or fund new research.
To avoid scams, keep these tips in mind:
- Beware of fake health advertising and products- There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19.
- Be wary of anyone asking for money for COVID-19 victims, or for disease research, especially if they want prepaid credit cards or gift cards.
- Don’t click on links in emails or posts from unknown sources. It could download a virus/malware onto your computer or device. These emails/posts may come from official looking sources such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control or other government agency.
- Do not share personal information with unknown individuals or businesses. Legitimate businesses will not solicit personal information through email or phone calls.
- Be wary of unknown retailers selling emergency supplies at very low costs such as face masks, hand sanitizer or gloves. If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.