Don't Take the Bait on COVID-Related Scams

Fraudsters are using phishing emails and texts, robocalls, bogus social media posts and links, and even door-to-door visits in hopes of defrauding unsuspecting victims. And they’re capitalizing on the coronavirus topics of the day as their bait.

The result? They’re tricking victims into giving up personal information, credit card numbers and hard-earned money.

Watch out for these six scams identified by the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission and other federal agencies.

Contact-tracing tricksters

While you might receive an actual call from the local health department warning that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, scammers also are posing as contact tracers to solicit your personal information. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare number, financial information, Social Security number or immigration status. They also won’t ask for payments to set up a COVID-19 test.

Phony remedies

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be rolled out, fraudsters have been busy pitching phony remedies. As of October 2020, the FTC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration had issued more than 40 warnings to companies selling unapproved products and shut down a website promoting a nonexistent vaccine. When researching coronavirus, be sure to visit genuine websites, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.

COVID-19 test scams

Beware of scammers offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries. By obtaining your personal details, including Medicare information, con artists can fraudulently bill federal health care programs and commit medical identity theft, which can leave the beneficiary liable for a denied claim.

Inheritance or relief fund scams

Imposters are using the FTC chairman’s name in emails, suggesting you’re getting money because of an inheritance or relief funds related to COVID-19. Also be on the alert for criminals impersonating banks and lenders and offering help with bills, credit card debt or student loan forgiveness.

Government payment scams

Federal agencies warn scammers are trying to steal government payments from consumers, such as stimulus payments or unemployment benefits. They’re also targeting small-business owners with phony promises of federal disaster loans. Don’t respond if you receive any calls, emails or other communications from a source claiming to be the U.S. Treasury Department, IRS, Social Security Administration or other federal agency that offers COVID-related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal information or an advance fee.

Stock scams

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reports fraudsters also are touting new companies with products that supposedly can prevent, detect or cure COVID-19. The con artists advise you to buy these stocks now because they will soar in price. Don’t fall for these classic “once in a lifetime” stock scams.

Helpful resources

Contact local law enforcement immediately if you suspect a COVID-19 scam. For more information, consult these resources:

• Federal Communications Commission: The FCC has set up a dedicated website with information on COVID-19 phone scams at fcc.gov/consumers. To file a complaint about a scam, visit fcc.gov/complaint.
• Federal Trade Commission: If you get a message from someone claiming to be from a government agency through social media, it’s a scam. Report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Contact the HHS if you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud. Call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477) or report it online at oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud.
• Other: For other links to federal, state and local government agencies, visit usa.gov/coronavirus.

For more cybersecurity tips – and to learn how Modern Woodmen protects your data – visit our Information Security page.