Coronavirus Scams

The coronavirus pandemic has given rise to online scam artists off ering phony cures and ways to steal scared people’s money.

Socialcatfish.com released a report in March on four online coronavirus scams to avoid using guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and identifying common scams used during H1N1, ebola and zika outbreaks. Family scams: Grandparent and family scams oft en occur at night and target older adults. The potential victim answers the phone and hears someone saying “grandma” or “grandpa.” Th ey’ll say they’ve contracted the virus and are homebound and in quarantine. Th e caller asks to send a gift card online immediately so they can buy delivery food or supplies. Th e caller is a scammer and keeps the money. How to avoid: Always check the caller ID to make sure it’s actually a loved one. If there’s any question about who’s calling, hang up and call the “loved one” back and verify it’s them. Don’t send money over the phone, even if it is someone “trustful.” Quack alert: Th ere are no viable antibiotics for the coronavirus, and natural products are not, in any way, going to fi ght this illness. Th e FTC is compiling these fraudulent scams and products and has released a list. Th ese scam products may be shared on social media with testimonials or warnings about the Thieves are ready to prey on the vulnerable during this crisis By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski disease. Don’t fall for them, and save money for needed items like tissues or face masks. How to avoid: Do not believe anyone who says they have found a natural remedy to cure the coronavirus. Chances are they just want to sell fake products so they can steal money. Th e only way to get better from the coronavirus is to get rest, go to the doctor and keep hydrated. Fake vaccine: Do not contribute to a fund to develop a vaccine to fi ght against coronavirus. Th ere may be “secret” calls, emails or texts about a supposed government vaccine that only a select few are privy to. If it sounds too good to be true, it is—especially in regard to the coronavirus. Don’t give the solicitor credit card information. It will be compromised. How to avoid: Don’t listen to anyone who asks for money over the phone, no matter what the excuse. Chances are they’re a scammer trying to steal money. Hospitals and universities will be the ones to help fund vaccines and research to try and fi nd a cure, and they won’t bother Grandparent and family scams oft en occur at night and target older adults. The potential victim Th ey’ll say they’ve contracted the virus and are homebound and in quarantine. Th e caller asks to send a gift card online immediately so they can buy delivery food or supplies. Th e caller is a scammer and keeps Always check the caller ID to make sure it’s actually a loved one. If there’s any question about who’s calling, hang up and call the “loved one” back and verify it’s them. Don’t send money over the phone, even Th ere are no viable antibiotics Don’t give the solicitor credit card information. It will be compromised.

people over the phone. Fake CDC and WHO emails: Potential victims will receive a fake email that looks legitimate. It reads as if it was sent from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s actually a scam and not really sent by the organization. How to avoid: Don’t click on any email that claims it has a product to help cure the coronavirus. Th e cure will be on legitimate news pages before an email is sent. Th ose who are unsure should look at—but not click on—the “reply to” email address and all hyperlinks in the email. Th ey will link to outside websites that are not secure and can collect all fi nancial data or download malware.

Th ose who encounter a coronavirus scam should contact local law enforcement or fi le a complaint with the FTC. Th ose with compromised fi nancial and personal data should request a credit freeze.

Attorney general warns scammers

In response to COVID-19, Attorney General Mark Brnovich reminds businesses and individuals that his offi ce will hold them accountable if they exploit the virus and try to scam Arizonans.

“Our consumer protection team is working hard to protect consumers during this diffi cult time, and we will continue to do so long aft er it ends,” Brnovich says.

“Th ere is no statute of limitations for state to take action under the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. So if you engage in fraudulent behavior today, you may think you can hide, but we will come aft er you if you violate the law.”

The attorney general’s office is closely monitoring all consumer complaints and advises consumers to be on the lookout for these scams. Government check scams: Th e federal government is considering a plan to send money tims will receive a fake email that looks legitimate. It reads as if it was sent from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s

How to avoid:

that claims it has a product to help cure the coronavirus. Th e cure will be on legitimate news pages before an email is sent. Th ose who are unsure should look at—but not click on—the “reply to” email address and all hyperlinks in the email. Th ey will link to outside websites that are not secure and can collect all fi nancial data or download malware.

Th ose who encounter a coronavirus scam should contact local law enforcement or fi le a complaint with the FTC. Th ose with compromised fi nancial and personal data should

Now Enrolling Students! Grades K-12

to help people through this crisis, but a plan has not yet been approved. Government imposter scams are already frequent but are likely to become even more common under the current circumstances. Remember, the government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get money; the government will never call and ask for Social Security numbers, bank account information or credit card numbers; the government will never threaten arrest for not providing personal information or ask for gift cards. Work-from-home scams: With an increasing number of people at home and away from work, work-from-home scams are likely to rise. Consumers should keep the following six tips in line: Don’t pay money to make money: Legitimate businesses offer to pay for your services. Scammers want you to pay them and promise that you’ll make it all back and more. Why do they need you? If someone is selling websites that will make a lot of money, guaranteed, why wouldn’t that person just run the websites on their own? If a business doesn’t have a good reason why it needs your help, it’s probably a scam. Clean reputation: Triple check the reputation of a business before becoming involved. Interview other investors and customers, search the business and promoter’s name online with “scam” or “complaint,” and check with the Better Business Bureau for information on the company’s credibility. Online business scammers frequently change their names, so beware of companies without an established track record of success. Risky refund policy: Online businesses promising a “no-risk refund policy” are red flags. This is a common term fraudsters use to reassure potential investors or customers and pressure people to make a quick decision. Guarantees like this are rarely reliable. Expert opinion: Take the time to bring in a business lawyer, CPA and other third-party, impartial business experts to vet potential opportunities before committing resources. They’ll be able to assess the legitimacy of the business as well as if there’s a potential to make a profit. Time to think: Most importantly, demand the time to think through any business opportunity thoroughly, rather than giving in to pressure to quickly make a decision before a “golden” opportunity passes.

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the attorney general’s website, azag.gov. For more information, call 602-542-5763.

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone suggests calling his office, too, at 602-876-8477.

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EXPECT the Unexpected

New age fl utist Sherry Finzer of Anthem is giving away physical copies of her CDs to help ease anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Nate Decker/The Bloc Project) New age fl utist Sherry Finzer of Anthem and fi nger-style guitarist Darin Mahoney of Chino Valley frequently perform together as the Finzer Mahoney Duo. (Photo courtesy Sherry Finzer) F lutist Sherry Finzer says music—any music—can heal.

But her brand of new age music can calm and soothe those suff ering through the COVID-19 pandemic, so the Anthem resident is giving away copies of 12 of her 20 albums.

“I record new age, relaxing fl ute music,” Finzer says. “I started doing driveway concerts for my neighbors, until the stay-at-home order.

“Th en, I sat at a table in my driveway, asking my neighbors if they would like relaxing music for healing or comfort. Th e cars stop and people will take CDs. I have so many people walking, biking and running through our neighborhood. It’s cool to see them stop and take the music.”

Fans are welcome to stop by her house or ask her to deliver the music by contacting her at info@heartdancerecords.com.

Finzer’s musical journey has taken her from classical to jazz, pop, world and fl amenco. Her Flutist Sherry Finzer is comforting her neighbors through music By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

“I started with just my music, and then I started bringing other artists to the label,” she says. “Th ere are more than 45 artists who I work with. I promote the music to radio stations.”

Finzer’s music can be heard on SiriusXM Spa Channel (68), Pandora, Spotify, Music Choice Soundscapes, Galaxie Spa Channel, Calm Radio, River of Calm, Journeyscapes, international radio programming, multiple airlines and overhead music channels.

Before the pandemic, Finzer frequently performed at the Musical Instrument Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden and other spots around the United States. Listeners often fi nd her music “unexpected,” she says.

“Sometimes they don’t know what they expect,” she adds.

Her musical partner is fi nger-style guitarist Darin Mahoney of Chino Valley. She and the former Tempe resident met in 2011.

“People are just really moved by the emotion they hear in the music,” says Finzer, who performs with the Finzer Mahoney Duo, Majestica and Trialogue. “We love doing house concerts, where we share the stories behind the music. Darin is a stage-four liver cancer survivor and his music is inspired from that experience.

“We speak each other’s language in a way. He’s the long-lost brother I never had.” music is fueled by stories shared by listeners and fans, as well as her experiences.

“I have been in the Phoenix area since 2005,” she says. “Before moving here, I was doing more classical music in community orchestras and teaching. When I moved to Phoenix from Rochester, New York, I started playing with diff erent musicians in diff erent genres of music.

“I ended up moving into the new age genre around 2009. I’m releasing music with the intent of creating relaxation and helping people fall asleep.”

Specializing in low fl utes— alto, bass and contrabass— Finzer releases her albums through her Heart Dance Records, a label that features artists with a focus on healing music.

Free music Sherry Finzer is giving away physical copies of the following CDs:

• “Whispers from Silence” • “Somewhere New” • “Sanctuary II: Earth” • “Sanctuary III: Beyond the Dream” • “Transformation” • “Trialogue” • “Traveler” • “Sound Currents” • “A Journey for Mankind” • “Christmas Picante” • “Christmas from the Heart” • “Remembrances”

Finzer is especially interested in teaming with assisted-living homes/centers or hospitals. For more information, visit heartdancerecords.com or sherryfi nzer.com.