3 minute read
PERSONAL SAFETY
Watch out for coronavirus scams
As if I need to point it out, the new coronavirus has spun off a few scams aimed at exploiting the fears of millions of people worldwide.
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Yes, like that drunken uncle who continues to show up uninvited at family events, this tag-along is unwanted. But these scams still show up and, when stripped down, still contain clues that you should recognize as flagging them as not quite right, if you take the time to look.
I’ve mentioned to be “politely skeptical” several times. This is a textbook opportunity to us it to gain some insight on what to expect from those who crawl out of their holes looking to cash in. 1. Men in Coats- One or more men show up in lab coats and fake CDC credentials. Some are looking for personal information and others, looking to see what is in your home, casing it for a later break in. If this scenario occurs in your neighborhood, call 911 and let the cops check it out. CDC will confirm any activity that is legitimate.
2. Fake Red Cross members going
door-to-door. Do your homework ahead of time and check those websites to see if this is consistent with their policies. Chances are they are not. Red Cross is advertising for donors but not door-to-door as far as I know. 3. Random Solicitation- This is intended to allow the victim to see the new vaccine, for a price that is. You can bet a fake vaccine will be thrown out there soon. 4. Sales scams- There is great demand for surgical masks and sanitizers, all of which can be ordered online. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau was quoted in the AARP report to say that 21 reports have been documented since Feb. 10, many over items like masks that were paid for but never delivered. One victim is said to have paid nearly $20,000 for masks that never arrived. 5. Stock Scams, beware of stock investments in companies that offer products that can prevent, detect or cure coronavirus. These are pressure sales, urging the victims to buy now before the prices soar. 6. Phishing Schemes, be careful when searching online for information on “covid” or “coronavirus.” The cybersecurity firm Check Point, says over half are likely to be malicious.
Here’s your cheat sheet.
A. Be wary of anyone asking for money for coronavirus victims, or disease research, especially if they want prepaid credit cards or gift cards.
STAY SAFE
Steve Rose is a retired Sandy Springs Police Captain, veteran Fulton County police officer and freelance writer. He is the author the book “Why Do My Mystic Journeys Always Lead to the Waffle House?” and the column “View from a Cop.”
B. Ignore phone calls or emails from strangers urging you to invest in the newest hot coronavirus stocks. C. Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the email address looks like a company or person you recognize. The same goes for unfamiliar websites. D. Avoid online offers for coronavirus-related vaccines or cures. They simply are not legitimate.
Coronavirus scams, like most scams, depend on the same thing to deprive you of your money: up-front money and personal information. The “red flares” for you to recognize is the request for personal information and/or the purchase of, in this case, a vaccine or some other medical treatment, using pre-paid gift cards. Anyone coming to your home in lab coats and CDC credentials, offering to test you for a fee or personal information, should be turned away and the police should be called.
As bleak as it seems at times, don’t lose your common sense and fall for a “pie-in-the-sky” scheme touted online. Those nerds you knew in high school and college are working hard to find a legitimate vaccine and they will find one. Just keep your common sense on the front burner.
Listen to podcasts on personal safety with steve rose atlantaseniorlife.com
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