You get a call from someone claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), offering information about COVID-19. It seems legit, but then they ask for something in return—your Social Security number.
Your next move? Hang up.
As if the coronavirus outbreak wasn’t stressful enough, thieves have been exploiting the pandemic as a way to rip you off. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has logged more than 600.000 fraud complaints related to the pandemic, and victims have reported losing more than $558 million.
Using emails, texts, phone calls and digital ads to push everything from bogus charities to phony COVID-19 test kits, cyber thieves are employing a variety of tricks in these new attempts to separate you from your money.
Here are 12 scams to watch out for—and how to help prevent them.
Riverstones Vista Capital will never ask for personal information by email. If you believe you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam using our name, call +1(803) 824-0007.
1
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost? The COVID-19 vaccination is free, whether or not you have insurance. Not only are scammers trying to get you to pay for the shot, they also steal personal information by setting up fake online stores. COVID-19 vaccines are not available for purchase online, and they do not cost money.
2
Contact tracing text scams. Contact tracing is the important process of tracking down anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus, so they can take precautions against spreading it further. State health departments often initiate this process with a text to say that someone will be calling. Scammers have taken note and are sending similar messages, but their texts will ask for money or Social Security numbers, or include a link to a malicious website.
3
Test kit scams. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized several in-home test kits for COVID-19, most advertised kits have not been approved (and aren’t necessarily accurate). One particular target for this scam is Medicare beneficiaries; crooks are offering tests in exchange for Medicare and other personal information. Be aware that there have also been reports of fake testing sites, complete with tents and workers in hazmat suits.
4
Fake fed phishing scams. Phone calls or emails may claim to be from the CDC (your caller ID may even display that name), offering information about the virus in exchange for personal information or a “donation”—a tipoff that you’re not talking with a federal agency.
5
Medical scams. Be wary of calls or emails from doctors or hospitals claiming to have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19 and demanding payment.
6
Unemployment benefits scams. Anyone due to receive an unemployment payment is bound to be anxiously awaiting it; some thieves are claiming they can speed up the process in exchange for a fee or personal information. Or, posing as IRS agents, they may say you were overpaid and have to “refund” some of the money.
7
Charity scams. Taking advantage of peoples’ goodwill, thieves are pretending to work for coronavirus-related charities (either real or made up) and asking for donations. Before you give any money, make sure it’s a legitimate charity (check with a watchdog group like Charity Navigator), then call the organization directly or donate through its website.
8
Miracle cure scams. There are currently several FDA approved vaccines, but that hasn’t stopped crooks from pushing fake products that claim to prevent or cure the virus. Air purifiers? Essential oils? Herbal teas? Fake, fake and fake.
9
Shopping scams. Nonexistent stores may claim to sell products in high demand, like masks and hand sanitizer. Since they’re just fronts designed to fool consumers, the products never arrive and the website for the “company” eventually disappears.
10
App scams. Preying on fear and curiosity, scammers have created mobile apps they claim are designed to track the spread of COVID-19. While the app may appear legit—perhaps even using official data—there’s a chance it also includes malware, spyware or ransomware.
11
Get-rich-quick scams. Buying the stock of a company that’s about to announce a cure for COVID-19 may sound too good to be true. It is. The big payoff promised by these fake investment opportunities will never come; the thieves will simply disappear with your cash.
12
College student phishing scams. Beware any email claiming to be from the “Financial Department” of a student’s university, with information about stimulus checks. Links will take you to a site that may look like the university’s, but only exists to steal your login credentials.
Tips to Help Protect Yourself
Scams are always evolving; if you suspect a message or offer may be fraudulent, check the COVID-19 sections of government sites (like the FTC, FCC, FDA, HHS and FBI), which are updated with the latest scams.
Those agencies suggest the following tips to help keep scammers at bay:
● Avoid the unknown. Filter and block text messages and calls from unknown numbers.
● Research legitimacy. If you receive an offer from a company you don’t recognize, do some research to make sure it’s legit before buying anything.
● Keep your info close. In the wrong hands, your credit card number can be used maliciously. Don’t give it out unless you’re sure you’re dealing with a real company or organization. Don’t give out your Social Security number or bank account information unless you absolutely know who you’re dealing with.
● Never click on suspect links. Open a new browser tab and type in the URL of the company or organization, or call/search for them directly.
● Take your time. Scammers will push you to buy immediately, so you won’t have time to figure out they’re phonies. Don’t play their game.
● Compare prices before buying. Crooks have been trying to gouge consumers by inflating the price of critical goods, like hand sanitizer or toilet paper.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-866-720-5721 or Justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
Rich Beattie is a former executive digital editor of Travel + Leisure and has written for outlets such as The New York Times, Popular Science, New York Magazine and SKI.