TranslateCOVID 19 Scams
Published: April 06, 2020
Unfortunately scammers look for opportunities during a crisis to create new scams or revamp existing scams. The Federal Trade Commission is issuing warnings regarding the following scams:
Updated Grandma Scam In this type of scam, the caller indicates that a grandchild has been arrested or in an accident. Now scammers may call and indicate that a grandchild or other loved one has been hospitalized or requires medical treatment due to the COVID 19 virus. Do not provide financial information or send cashier’s checks, gift cards or other means of payment if you receive such a call.
Financial Aid Scams:
Congress has passed financial relief aid during the crisis. Scammers may send emails with links purporting to be from official looking emails offering access to financial aid. DO NOT CLICK ON LINKS. To obtain information on these programs go to the official Small Business Administration website at https://sba.gov for information. Do not provide any financial information via email or on the phone. Scammers may call and say that to expedite receipt of aid they need your bank routing information or other financial information. You do not need to do anything to obtain the individual financial assistance if you filed a tax return. DO NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION. Hang up and call the number on the official website not the number contained in any email.
For more information see:
- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/small-businesses-where-go-financial-relief-information?utm_source=govdelivery
- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/want-get-your-coronavirus-relief-check-scammers-do-too?utm_source=govdelivery
Claims for COVID 19 “Cures” or Testing
At the present time there is no cure or vaccine that will prevent the COVID-19 virus. The Federal Drug Administration has sent letters to numerous companies selling products that purport to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 or test kits for testing for the virus. Testing and any medication should only be obtained through your health care provider. Be wary of any claims by supplements or other medication that it will prevent or aid with COVID-19.
For more information see: