Be on the Alert for Coronavirus Scams | Antivirus Software

There are scammers taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to trick people into giving them their money. Although the story behind the fraud is new, its tactics are already known. At this time, it may be more difficult to prevent scams because people 65 and older are no longer interacting with many of their friends, neighbors, or service providers because of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.

Those who feel ill or do not want to be exposed to a possible contagion may need help with daily errands. Be cautious when accepting help from someone and only use reliable food and supply delivery services. In these uncertain times, the first step to preventing potential scams is knowing how they work. The “Money Smart” Resource Guide for Seniors and our Scam Prevention Brochures and Activities (English page, Spanish resources available on it), provide detailed descriptions of the red flags for a variety of them, below, we show you some scams, specific to the coronavirus situation, of which you should be aware.

Scams that offer vaccines, cures, air filters, or tests for the coronavirus

The FTC or Federal Trade Commission has alerted the country to the increase in the number of scams related to the offer of vaccines, test kits, cures and treatments, and an air filtration system that can remove the coronavirus from the air in your home. Know that there is no vaccine against this virus, and there is still no cure for it. The tests are available through the authorities of your locality or state of residence, these tests will never be sent to your home. If you get a call, text message, or letter, selling you any of these things, know that it is a scam.

Coronavirus-related charities scams

A charity scam occurs when scammers pose as representatives of a genuine charity or make up a name that sounds like a legitimate charity, to try to take your money. Be careful of anyone who calls you asking for donations to a charity. If you are financially able to help, first visit the website of the organization you choose for your donation and make sure your money goes to those you want to help. Also, doubt any “follow-up” call or follow-up you receive about a donation that you do not remember making, it could be a scam.

"Person in need" scams

Scammers can take advantage of the circumstances imposed by the coronavirus to impersonate your grandchild, family member, or close friend, telling you that you are ill, trapped in another foreign state or country, or simply, in trouble, and ask you to send them money. They may ask you to mail cash or buy gift cards. These scammers will often beg you to keep the situation a secret and to act quickly so that you don't have time to ask questions. If it happens, stay calm and try to verify the facts. Hang up the call and call your grandchild or friend and verify that the story they have told you is true. You can also call another family member or friend.

Scams that target your Social Security benefits

Even if the Social Security Administration (SSA) offices are closed as a result of COVID-19, the SSA will never suspend or decrease your benefit or Supplemental Security Income payments due to the current pandemic. of COVID-19 or coronavirus. Scammers could mislead people into believing that to maintain regular benefit payments at this time, they need to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, virtual currency, or by sending cash through the mail. Any type of message, be it a letter, text message, email, or phone call, stating that SSA will suspend or reduce your benefits because of COVID-19, is a scam.

In Conclusion

The best defense against scammers is to say NO:

• Anyone who contacts you asking for your Social Security or bank account number, your credit card information, your Medicare ID, or your driver's license number. A contact tracing searches to get your social security number or driver's license or banking information. And don't click on random text links that are said to come from contact trackers. Doing so could compromise your personal information. You should use antivirus software to protect your data from malicious activities.
• Anyone who contacts you asking for other personally identifiable information, by phone, in person, text message, or email.
• Someone you don't know and contact you asking to send you money using a “Peer to Peer” (P2P) or person-to-person payment application, such as Venmo or Zelle, or through prepaid gift cards. These payment methods are difficult to track and are often preferred by scammers.
• To someone who, without your knowledge, sends you a check, perhaps for having won a supposed prize, or for the sale of some good, and asks you to send back a part of that money.
• If you think something is wrong. Trust your intuition and keep your right to say no.