LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Scammers are notorious for trying to take advantage of people during times of crisis, and the current coronavirus pandemic is no exception. The Better Business Bureau has seen a huge increase in reported scams as con artists double down on their efforts to cheat you out of your money and private information.
According to the BBB, some of the COVID-19 scams include:
Testing Kits
Whether it’s someone going door-to-door offering a COVID-19 testing kit or someone selling them online, don’t fall for this con. Currently, real testing kits cannot be purchased or performed at home.
Miracle cures, treatments, vaccines, or supplements
When you see an advertisement promoting a miracle cure, vaccine, or supplement to help you fight the coronavirus, just ignore it. False claims like this should be reported to BBB at bbb.org/adtruth.
Supply scams
Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
Mask sales
While many people are on the hunt for medical-grade masks, scammers are posting fake websites. While the site may look legitimate, consumers are purchasing masks only to never receive the product or have their financial information compromised. Always check with BBB at bbb.org before making any online purchase.
Provider scams
Scam artists are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
Government checks
If you receive a phone call from a “government representative” saying they need your social security number, banking account number, or other personal information to give your relief check, hang up! Anytime funds like this are distributed, the government will NEVER call and ask for personal information.
Errand assistance
Be wary of strangers who offer to run errands for you. While there are legitimate groups who are offering assistance to those that are in need, there are scammers who are looking to take your prescription medications or your money. Do your research and check references first.
Free gift cards
Some businesses are providing discounts during this time, but if you see an offer for a free gift card, proceed with caution. These offers are often “too good to be true” and lead you to a phishing site that asks for personal information. Always contact the company directly to see if any promotion is real.
Charity and giving
If you are looking to donate, make sure you are donating to legitimate charities. You can verify the trustworthiness of a charity by visiting give.org for free reports to see if the charity meets BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability. If you are giving to a crowdfunding cause, it’s best to give to someone you know and to be wary of vague requests.
App scams
With COVID-19 spreading rapidly, you may want to know if the virus has spread to your area. While there are legitimate coronavirus “map apps” available, there are also ones that download malware and spyware onto your phone instead. Phishing scams Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information
Investment scams
Crooks are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19 and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
Price Gouging scams
When sellers and/or retailers sell or rent an item for a price “which is grossly more than the price before the declaration” per KRS 367.374. Goods and services included in this prohibition include consumer food items; goods or services used for emergency cleanup; emergency supplies; medical supplies; home heating oil; building materials; housing; transportation, freight, and storage services; and gasoline or other motor fuels.
Other scams include fraudsters claiming to work for the government or banks/credit cards and offering assistance for student loan relief, foreclosure or eviction relief, unemployment assistance, debt relief, and direct financial assistance, like government checks.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud, you can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov Kentuckians wishing to report online scams and fraud can contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
To file a price-gouging complaint, visit ag.ky.gov/pricegouging or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.
These tips were provided by the Better Business Bureau. For more tips and information, visit bbb.org/coronavirus. The BBB is also offering a great resource for local businesses that are trying to navigate this time of uncertainty. Go to https://www.bbb.org/coronavirus-business/ for more information.