Beware of Pandemic Scams
Coronavirus scams are continuing to spread and are leading to a record number of cases of Identity Theft. Fraudsters are using various scam tools such as phishing emails and texts, robocalls, and imposter schemes to obtain personally identifiable information such as Social Security Numbers.
Please be aware of these reported scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Fraudsters posing as agents of government agencies such as Social Security Administration, informing that there is a problem with a recipient’s Social Security payments, then asking for personal information such as Social Security Number and Date of Birth.
Numbers (often they are asking for an urgent response) - Fraudsters impersonating banks and lenders offering bogus help with bills and/or student loan Forgiveness.
- Websites advertising bogus small business loans and unemployment payments.
- Fraudulent income tax filings.
- Stolen stimulus checks.
- Phishing texts and phone calls from someone posing as a contact tracer, falsely warning of exposure to someone with COVID-19 and asking for personal information.
To protect yourself from Coronavirus Scams:
▪ Be wary of emails, calls and social media posts advertising “free” or government-ordered COVID-19 tests.
▪ Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails or texts, even if the email address or phone number looks like a company or person you recognize. Also note that if the sender of the email or text is difficult to get in touch with or is unwilling to speak on the phone,
it is likely a scam.
▪ Don’t share personal information such as Social Security, Medicare, account number, or credit/debit card numbers in response to an unsolicited call, text, or email.
▪ Be skeptical of fundraising calls or emails for COVID-19 victims or virus research, especially if you are being pressured to act fast and/or pay by card.
▪ If you are being asked to send or receive money in unusual ways (such as gift cards) it is probably a scam.
If you feel like you have been a victim of one of these scams, please contact us at 270-542-4185 or
270-725-9999 immediately.