COVID-19 Fraud & Scams

“Due to several chronic health conditions, I am at high risk for Coronavirus. Several people have reached out and offered to help me with groceries and bringing my medications to me, and I’m very grateful, but I’m not quite sure who I can trust. How can I protect myself from scammers who are pretending to help vulnerable people during this crisis? ”

— Signed, Should I Be Grateful Or Cautious

Dear Should I Be Grateful or Cautious,

This is a very widespread concern during this time--know that you are not alone in feeling this way! We want to believe that people have pure intentions and motives, especially during times of crisis, but at the same time we don’t want to be naive and be taken advantage of. By being aware of what scams are sprouting up, you will be able to protect yourself!

According to the National Council on Aging and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, these are the top scams that are currently targeting older adults:

Family wearing medical masks to protect from COVID-19.

Fraudulent products claiming to prevent or cure COVID-19
Fake Coronavirus-related charities
New investment opportunities with a company that’s developing a vaccine
Fraudulent calls posing as the government collecting information in order for you to receive your stimulus check
Fraudulent letters claiming that Social Security benefits will be suspended due to COVID-19 unless you pay a fee

Now, let me address your specific question. You should be both grateful AND cautious.

Stories have been showing up in the news about scammers who are targeting seniors by offering to get their groceries as long as they “pay up front.”

If anyone is offering to help you get supplies, always ask them for a list of references. This could include names and contact information for other people they’ve assisted, their work ID card if they claim to be a nurse or some other medical professional, or their employer’s contact information so that you can verify who they are from third-party sources.

Secondly, if at all possible--discuss these options with a trusted family member or friend so that someone you know and trust is always in the loop. Finally, NEVER pay someone up front, do not immediately give them your address, and do not let strangers into your home.

The bottom line is that it is good to be grateful when someone offers help, but stay cautious and protect yourself by being well-informed. Say NO if anyone asks you for your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card information, Medicare information, drivers license number, or any other personal identification information. Report any suspected scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at: (866)-720-5721 or by email at disaster@leo.gov. You can also report a scam online at ftc.gov/complaint. If it’s a cyber scam, submit your complaint at www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

Here are some additional resources for you to read and stay informed:

Coronavirus Scams: What the FTC is doing https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

FTC: Coronavirus scams, Part 2 https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/ftc-coronavirus-scams-part-2

Coronavirus Scams Spread as Fraudsters Follow the Headlines https://states.aarp.org/montana/coronavirus-fears-bring-out-the-scammers

Protect Yourself From Coronavirus Scams https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/health-miracle-cures.html

Secret Service Warns: Cybercriminals Exploiting Coronavirus Fears https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/coronavirus-warning.html

FBI Sees Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200320.aspx

Combatting Coronavirus Fraud https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus