Fraudsters are coming up with new ways during the COVID-19 pandemic to scam those who are vulnerable and stressed during these difficult times. Read this continuation of scams we have been seeing and stay alert!
Unemployment Scam
There is no cost for filing or qualifying for unemployment. If you receive a phone call or email asking for a fee to be paid that should be your first red flag! Secondly, government officials will never ask you to share personal information over the phone unless a phone appointment was scheduled for a specific date and time. This information includes a full Social Security Number, date of birth, employment history, and financial information.
Fake Vaccine
A new scam is targeting senior citizens in Metro Detroit — giving false hope to those hoping to avoid falling ill with COVID-19. Scammers are offering fake coronavirus vaccines, saying the vaccine costs $29.99 and will be delivered to the victim’s doorstep. This is not true! There is not a vaccine for COVID-19 yet. Be careful not to fall for this scam!
False CDC Alerts
Scammers are also sending phishing emails designed to look like they are from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The email falsely claims to link to a list of coronavirus cases in your area. Be careful and do not click on any link without verifying the source.
HR Emails
Cybercriminals aretargeting employees’ Human Resource email accounts. One phishing email might say, “All, Due to the coronavirus outbreak, [company name] is actively taking safety precautions by instituting a Communicable Disease Management Policy.” If you click on the fake company policy, you will download malicious software onto your device.
Stimulus Check
With many businesses closed and taxpayers still waiting on stimulus checks, scammers are capitalizing on the shaky economic climate to cheat and steal. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers to be on guard against tax fraud and other related financial scams related to the pandemic. You may receive authentic-sounding email offers and/or phone calls to expedite payment or even increase the amount on your check. Don’t fall for this scam!
Summary
For every email or message you receive STOP, LOOK and THINK for a second or two before you click on any link in an email or open an attachment. One click can cause you or your company a lot of damage and headache. From January 1 until today, the FTC has received 18,235 reports related to COVID-19, and people reported losing $13.44 million dollars to fraud.
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Stay safe and healthy!
Sources: FCPA, HHS, FCC, IC3, FBI.GOV, KPTV
Article written by Will Batshoun on LinkedIn