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Unfortunately scammers are getting creative now during the Coronavirus pandemic and have started many attacks against consumers.
Especially the contact tracer scams are increasingly seen nowadays, taking advantage of the fear of a possible Coronavirus infection by mimicking text messages from contact tracers. Don't click on links if you get text message from "contact tracers" and don't give out financial information or your social security number on the phone!
Read more about the contact tracers scams and about the real process of contact tracing: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/help-covid-19-contact-tracers-not-scammers?utm_source=govdelivery
The have been far too many scams related to Covid19 to list them all, but the most common ones are
Text message and email scams trying to sell products or treatments against the virus
Robocall scams, offering test kits or warnings about local outbreaks in order to try to getting sensitive personal information or steal money
Fake websites letting you order masks or offering advice
Stimulus check fraud, read more on https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-warning-about-coronavirus-related-scams-watch-out-for-schemes-tied-to-economic-impact-payments
In order to stay safe during this time it is crucial to keep the most important prevention measures against scams generally in mind:
Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren't hacked.
Always check on a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating. (Learn more about charity scams.)
Be aware and stay safe!
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