Sitting hunkered down and waiting for the latest coronavirus update can make anyone feel vulnerable, unfortunately that’s when scammers are most likely to prey.
There are several cons related to the pandemic that are now becoming widespread and authorities have urged the public to be vigilant. Seniors are most at risk to these schemes however, everyone should be aware of the following:
Costco has warned of a scam offering people $130 in free merchandise as part of the store's alleged Covid-19 stimulus package. A text is sent out encouraging buyers to click on a link, but Costco has warned against doing so.
"These are not real and is a scam to probably steal your personal information," Costco said in a post on Instagram.
"Looks like they are targeting older folks!," the post continued. "Please tell your parents or grandparents to not fall for this if they get these texts!"
Scammers are now using the epidemic to con people out of money and sensitive information such as bank account numbers, PIN codes and Social Security numbers. Forbes listed three cons as follows:
Social Security Administration: "During these difficult times we regret to inform you we must immediately suspend your social immediately due to suspicious behavior."
Medicare testing scam: "Thank you for calling the coronavirus hotline. Because of the limited testing, we are first taking medicare members - will this test be for you, or you and your spouse?"
Small business scam: "If you are a small business affected by coronavirus press '1' to be sure your Google listing is being correctly displayed during these difficult times"
Fake Cures and treatments
Several companies are claiming to have treatments and even cures for the coronavirus. These products have not been approved and may be in violation of federal law.
"There already is a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus," said FTC Chairman Joe Simons, per Forbes. "What we don’t need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. These warning letters are just the first step. We’re prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam."
Florida State Attorney Dennis W. Ward, of Monroe County released a statement warning of people impersonating U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers. They wear white lab coats and masks and go from door to door offering free COVID-19 tests, reported WPLG. The news release noted that the CDC would not send its employees out to conduct home tests.
Another scam entails people calling the elderly and offering free COVID-19 test kits.
"The scammers claim all they need from the senior to send the free kit is the target’s Medicare number," the news release read. "Never provide health information, or any other personal information, in response to an unsolicited phone call."
Fake emails, texts and phishing
Scammers commonly rely on fake emails and texts to obtain sensitive information and now they are using the epidemic as part of their con. Banks such as HSBC have been cautioning customers.
"Criminals are using the COVID-19 pandemic to obtain personal information including account numbers and passwords, or manipulate people into making payments to fraudulent organizations that appear to be legitimate," HSBC warned, according to Forbes. "These scams may involve a variety of communication channels, including emails, phone calls, letters, text messages, social media and faxes."
There have been a number of fake charities popping up, claiming to provide relief amid the pandemic, and they are going as far as to use websites, emails and phone calls to con members of the public.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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