Coronavirus Scams

Thieves are ready to prey on the vulnerable during this crisis By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

The coronavirus pandemic has given rise to online scam artists offering 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 often occur at night and target older adults. The potential victim answers the phone and hears someone saying “grandma” or “grandpa.” They’ll say they’ve contracted the virus and are homebound and in quarantine. The caller asks to send a gift card online immediately so they can buy delivery food or supplies. The 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: There are no viable antibiotics for the coronavirus, and natural products are not, in any way, going to fight this illness. The FTC is compiling these fraudulent scams and products and has released a list. These scam products may be shared on social media with testimonials or warnings about the 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. The 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 fight against coronavirus. There 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 find a cure, and they won’t bother 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. The cure will be on legitimate news pages before an email is sent. Those who are unsure should look at—but not click on—the

“reply to” email address and all hyperlinks in the email. They will link to outside websites that are not secure and can collect all financial data or download malware.

Those who encounter a coronavirus scam should contact local law enforcement or file a complaint with the FTC. Those with compromised financial 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 office 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 difficult time, and we will continue to do so long after it ends,” Brnovich says.

“There 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 after 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: The federal government is considering a plan to send money to help people through this crisis, but a plan has not yet been approved. Government imposter scams are already frequent but are

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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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