Beware of COVID-19 Scams

Beware of COVID-19-Related Scams!

Online scammers are actively taking advantage of the health emergency due to COVID-19.  These scammers are contacting unsuspecting consumers claiming to be health charities or health authorities.  They are attempting to obtain victims' Mobile or Online Banking passwords, credit card numbers and other personal identification.  Others are touting miracle cures for the COVID-19 or attempting to load viruses on your device.

Various Types of Scams

The Federal Trade Commission and other consumer protection agencies have reported the following types of scams:

• Requests for donations to support COVID-19 victims.
• Offers for ineffective COVID-19 treatments.
• False emails that look like they come from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO). Attachments likely carry a software virus.
• Emails that look like they come from a health authority that ask you to download programs to help find a COVID-19 cure.
• Robocalls informing patients they’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
   

Stay Safe!

Follow some basic rules, and you can help avoid identity theft and scams:

• Remember, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
• Do not provide any personal information to people you do not know.
• Be wary of emails from people you do not know or have not done business with before. Don’t click on attachments.
   

More Resources!

Visit our Education Center and learn more about how to stay safe online.