Beware of fraudulent activities related to COVID-19. Possible illicit activities related to COVID-19 include (1) fraudulent cures, tests, vaccines, and services; (2) non-delivery scams; and (3) price gouging and hoarding of medical related supplies such as face masks and hand sanitizers.
FTC, FCC and SEC tips to avoid coronavirus scams[1]
- Avoid online offers for coronavirus-related vaccines or cures; they aren't legitimate.
- Don't click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the email address looks like a company or person you recognize. Ditto for text messages and unfamiliar websites.
- Don't share personal information such as Social Security, Medicare and credit card numbers in response to an unsolicited call, text or email.
- Be wary of fundraising calls or emails seeking money for coronavirus victims or disease research, especially if they pressure you to act fast and request payment by prepaid debit cards or gift cards.
- Ignore phone calls or emails from strangers urging you to invest in a hot new coronavirus stock.
Waggoner, J. a. (2020, May 20). aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info. Retrieved from www.aarp.org: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/coronavirus.html
