Scams Related to Coronavirus (COVID 19)
Apparently scammers are taking full advantage of the COVID 19 situation through every possible avenue – in person, via phone, text, and email.
FCC Scam Alerts
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has received numerous reports of scam and hoax text message campaigns and scam robocalls offering free home testing kits, promoting bogus cures, selling health insurance, and preying on virus-related fears. Click on this linked FCC text above to get more details and hear sample phone calls.
The FCC offers the following tips to help you protect yourself from scams, including coronavirus scams:
- Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
- Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
- Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
- Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
- Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren’t hacked.
- Always check on a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating.
Medicare Scams
This information came out recently from Medicare.gov advising us all to protect our Medicare numbers:
It’s easy to get distracted and let your guard down during these uncertain times. Scammers may try to steal your Medicare Number. They might lie about sending you Coronavirus vaccines, tests, masks, or other items in exchange for your Medicare Number or personal information.
To Protect Yourself From Scams:
- Only share your Medicare number with your primary and specialty care doctors, participating Medicare pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.
- Check your Medicare claims summary forms for errors.
Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on protecting yourself from fraud and reporting suspected fraud.
Stay safe and vigilant. Hopefully, this virus will run itself out soon and we can all get back to our normal lives.
