The global coronavirus pandemic is just the tip of the colossal iceberg of problems we have yet to overcome in 2020. While the world tries to adapt to the new normal with careful steps, criminals decide to strike gold when others, especially vulnerable members of society, are facing misfortune. Scammers are seizing the opportunities that come with the fears caused by the coronavirus, exploiting their targets with an array of cunning schemes.
Scams to watch out for
With this knowledge in mind, it’s best for us to stay alert and avoid getting conned. Here are a few coronavirus-related scams to look out for:
COVID-19 vaccine, cure, test kits, air filters
Scammers selling items that allegedly prevent and treat COVID-19 at home are increasing each day. However, it is important to note that there are no vaccines, drugs, or whatever form of cure that have been officially approved to treat and prevent COVID-19 so far. This fact, however, is not stopping con artists anywhere to market their phoney remedies to unsuspecting customers.
Essential oils, teas, vitamins, and supplements are common forms of false antiviral treatments offered in online stores and social media accounts, claiming to be an effective defense against the virus. In addition to that, test kits, air filters, and other gizmos designed to eliminate the coronavirus also dominate phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media advertisements.Â
Coronavirus-related charities
When a charity reaches out for financial support, it’s best to perform research about the organization before giving out any monetary help. This is because sometimes, scammers forge fake charities, causes, and organisations in order to raise money for personal gain. By doing research, you can ensure that your money is going to the right place and the cause you believe in.Â
Scams asking for financial help
A vulnerable person claiming to be ill can be a con artist in disguise. These kinds of scammers would often ask for money and/or gift cards while requesting to keep said request discreet. Sometimes, they would pretend to be someone you know. When facing these kinds of situations, maintain composure and get the facts before diving straight into action. Don’t send out help before you are sure that the real person contacted you. If it turns out as a fraud, it’s always best to ignore the call for help.
Mobile malware and phishing scams
During times like these, not only your money is at stake, but also your personal information. Hackers and criminals will try all means to breach into your mobile devices. These days, malicious applications masked as COVID-19 news and tracking softwares are the weapons used to breach your gadget. In March, an app claiming to help track the spread of the virus called CovidLock hacked a vast amount of downloaders’ phones, holding their devices for ransom. A handful of other applications also pose as coronavirus trackers and news centres to steal users’ data and even control the device without the user’s awareness.Â
To protect yourself and your data, it’s best to encrypt your device. Apart from that, avoid downloading items outside the authorised app stores. The reported malicious apps were all found on websites with coronavirus themes, which are allegedly published to lure others into downloading the apps.
Cases of coronavirus-related scams
Next Caller reports that about 320 out of 1000 Americans claim to have received coronavirus-related scams. Apart from that, 52% of Americans are increasingly worried to be fraud victims compared to before the pandemic. In addition, 44% of the surveyed population also reported to have an increase in phone calls, emails, and text messages from unknown senders.Â
The Local Government Association of England and Wales reported that senior citizens and vulnerable members of society who are self-isolating are common targets of scammers. There are some cases where con artists pretend to be council workers sorting lockdown supply parcels. They would call senior citizens with hopes of obtaining personal information of pensioners. In another case, a scammer paid a woman in her 80s a visit and demanded money to give her a fake medical check. Apart from that, scammers would attempt to sell bogus products. Authorities have confiscated illegal safety equipment ranging from poor quality face masks to substandard hand sanitisers from the market.
Tips to prevent coronavirus-related scams
Here are a few tips to dodge scams during the pandemic:
- Don’t click on shady links from unauthorised sources.
- Double check text messages and emails and make sure they are from approved organisations in charge of coronavirus-related affairs.
- Do your homework on the latest news regarding the pandemic. If there’s a medical breakthrough, you would be hearing it first from legitimate news sources, not a pop up ad.Â
- Research thoroughly and ensure the legitimacy of any website, stores, and organisations before making any donations or purchases.
- Always make sure that you are purchasing items, especially medicines from registered pharmacies and authorised retailers.
It’s important to be cautious especially during these times. If something seems off and sounds too good to be true, it’s always crucial to ignore and avoid it at all costs.Â
Disclaimer: the views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent the views of The Development Cafe.
References:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/health-miracle-cures.html
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headlines
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/ftc-coronavirus-scams-part-2
https://nextcaller.com/blog/next-caller-covid-19-fraud-report/
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52595925