As the pandemic spreads and fears increase, scammers have found more ways to try to cheat and steal, taking full advantage of the insecurities and desperation of the public. It’s the perfect storm.
Home vaccine kits were being advertised to a scared public. The problem is that they are not real. The Justice Department announced that it had issued a restraining order on Sunday, March 22, against coronavirusmedicalkit.com that advertised home vaccine kits for $4.95 shipping and handling. (World Health Organization approved, the seller said.) Just add water. (??!!) The problem – there are NO home vaccination kits available. Period. There are NO vaccines for anyone to order. Vaccinations against this virus do not exist.
In addition, some companies advertise that they will clean your air ducts and HVAC system to rid your home of any possible virus. The Social Security scams continue, too, with callers or emailers saying that there is some link to your Social Security number and the coronavirus.
Stimulus
The FCC is warning us that reports of possible government issued checks are creating a new avenue for scammers. The calls state that you are going to receive a check from the government to help ease the financial crisis that this is causing, and all they need is your personal information to guarantee that you receive your check. The FCC tells us that if checks are issued, NO ONE will call you or text you to verify your personal information or bank account details in order to ‘release’ the funds nor will you be required to pay something to get the check.
You will want to be aware of a scam tracker site that has been initiated by the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker lets us see what scams are out there and also offers an opportunity to report scams. There are several tips on the Better Business Bureau website for avoiding scammers.
Current Scams
Please – please – please: do not add to your worries by falling prey to one (or several) of these ploys.
- If it’s a telephone call, do not answer or hang up. Keep in mind that scammers can spoof phone numbers so you think you are answering a call from family or friends. HANG UP!
- If it’s a Robocall and you are instructed to push a number for more service (or whatever the prompt), HANG UP! Do not push any numbers.
- If it’s an email, do NOT click on a link. This could take you to another level of scamming which could involve your computer being compromised where your personal information is at risk, or your information may be held hostage for a payment.
- If it’s a website or offer for vaccines, personal protection gear (masks or gowns), hand sanitizer, or any number of items that we are seeking right now – USE EXTREME CAUTION! Hospitals, doctors, test sites, and others are having difficulty getting this equipment!
- Watch out for price gouging. It’s being done, and it’s illegal. Report it to your Attorney General.
Remember: There is no cure. There are no vaccines. Do not fall prey to promises of miracle cures. They do not exist.
Stay safe. Be well. Wash your hands.
