Don’t fall for Corona virus scams

By Katie Ritchie

Worried about the Corona virus? Even if you’re only stressed about the toilet paper hoarders, fear of world events can make you vulnerable, according to the Secret Service.

“Fear can cause normally scrupulous individuals to let their guard down and fall victim to … scams,” the Secret Service warned in a press release.

What are some of these scams?

Phishing scams. You’ve probably gotten emails from places you’ve conducted business with. These emails are letting you know about how they’re handling COVID-19. Intermingled with these real emails, you might also get phishing emails. Phishing emails are designed to trick you into giving up personal information. You might get an email claiming to be from a bank, store, or from a health organization. Often, the health organizations aren’t even real.

The emails usually have attachments they claim is important Corona virus intel. The files may contain malware that infects your machine. If the file isn’t a virus, it prompts you to log in and steals your credentials.

Charity scams. These scammers try to take advantage of your generosity. In times of crisis, we want to help.

Scammers use social media to publicize fake Corona virus causes. They hope to trick the public into giving money to fraudulent organizations.

Fake delivery scams. You’ve probably heard about toilet paper and hand sanitizer hoarders. In response, sneaky scammers have launched websites and telemarketing campaigns. They claim to have supplies and fake “cures” or “treatments” for Corona virus for sale. Folks pay for the supplies or “treatments” the scammers are selling, but the goods never arrive.

Think you’ve been targeted by a scam email or phone call? Tell me about it at [email protected] . Help keep our community safe.