SCAMS RELATED TO COVID-19

Scams gathered from SMP

There are multiple scams going around from people who are saying they are from the government or a medical professional. This is a compilation of current scams. If you have been caught in a scam or suspect a scam please report it to your local SMP. You may just help someone else avoid making a mistake. 

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1. Fake Checks from the Government: scammers will ask for a fee in order to get your check. They may also try to get your social security information to send you your check. The government will not contact you for payment to get your check or to get your personal information. If this happens, it is a scam.

2. Free testing or screening kits for the Coronavirus: Scammers will offer free screening kits and tell you that Medicare will cover the cost. Medicare will only cover the cost if it is prescribed to you by your practicing doctor. You may be hit with the cost of the testing kit or you may not be able to get coverage from Medicare for an actual screening kit in the future. 

3. Undelivered Goods: Scammers will sell you items that they say will help prevent the coronavirus. Once you purchase the item they will say that they will ship it to you but they won't because the item or service is fake. This is fraud. Be careful about the items that you are purchasing. if you are unfamiliar with the website, do some research to ensure that the website is legitimate. 

4. Fake Charities: Scammers will create fake charities to get money or your credit card information. Before you donate to a charity make sure that the charity is a legitimate charity or organization. 

5. Fake Emails or Phishing: These are similar to the usual scams that you hear about. The only difference is that these are related to the coronavirus. They might say that they have new information about the coronavirus or this is where they might catch you on selling you fake products. Hover hover they hyperlink to make sure that it is sending you to where it says that it is sending you. Another tip is to not open emails that you aren't sure who they are from. 

6. Robocalls: These are also similar to the scams that you  that you are used to hearing about except again they are related to the coronavirus. They may try to get your information to send you a product that will prevent the coronavirus or they might say that  they need your account information to send you money from the government. Again no one from the government will call you unexpectedly. If you are unsure about the call hang up and call the agency that you believe called you. 

7. Offers to Direct Deposit you Economic Impact Payment: The IRS will not call, text, email or contact you on social media about your payment- anyone who does is a scammer. 

8. Social Security Check in Cancelled due to COVID-19: Scammers will ask you to verify personal information to get payments restarted. Never give personal information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails or texts. Also, social security checks will not be cancelled due to the Coronavirus.

9. Loved one has COVID-19, Needs Funds for Care: Reach out to your loved one directly, or to other family members or friends to check on them. Do not be persuaded by the caller's claims that you must act immediately.

10. Contact from WHO or CDC: Scammers frequently impersonate government officials, and may request your Medicare number or other personal information in order to send you a health kit, COVID-19 test or treatment. The CDC or WHO will not call you asking for your Medicare information. Keep yourself safe and do not share personal information.

11. Request to download a mobile app for COVID-19 updates: Apps can have recurring fees or worse, contain malware that can steal your personal information, including financial information. Beware of any permissions you grant when downloading apps.