The world has been a little crazy, in recent weeks, as a result of the COVID-19 spread in the United States. And while the physical health of our community is the top priority, the financial health of our members is at the forefront as well. Scammers tend to use times of fear and uncertainty as a gateway to access your personal information. So be prepared!
Below we have highlighted some of the most common coronavirus scams to be on the lookout for as we wait for our daily lives to return to normalcy. Please take a moment to read these fraudulent schemes and do your own research on potential scams prior to giving anyone your personal information!
Promising Test Kits
It’s no secret that there has been an initial shortage in coronavirus test kits as the virus has spread, so scammers are taking advantage of this by sending emails inducing consumers to pay online for their test kit and then go to a local health care provider to pick up the kit. Once arriving at the health care facility, consumers are quickly finding out that they have been duped into revealing their credit card information.
Additionally, some scammers have been posing as Red Cross impersonators promising the same test kits. Be wary of these emails!
Fake Economic Relief Emails
In politics, all the talk has been about a stimulus package where most American citizens would potentially receive a check for roughly $1,000 from the government. As a result, scammers have been blasting people with emails requesting personal information, including their bank account data and Social Security Number. The victim believes that once they have disclosed the requested information they will be receiving money from the government, when in actuality a scammer now has access to their personal information. Do not fall victim to this scheme!
World Health Organization (WHO) Phishing Emails
In another targeted email scheme, scammers are pretending to be the World Health Organization (WHO) and enticing potential victims to open an attachment connected to the email. When this attachment has been opened, it will infect your personal device with a virus that will allow the scammers to steal potentially harmful information, including bank account information. As with any phishing emails, avoid opening any attachments from an unknown sender!
CDC Phone Calls
Emails aren’t the only route scammers are taking to coerce you out of your personal information. Recently, people have been receiving calls from people claiming to be with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and asking potential victims to “reserve a vaccine” for COVID-19. They will ask for your credit card information and some will even request your social security number. We urge you to stay away from revealing any of this information!
If you have any questions on potential scams, please contact us prior to divulging any of your personal information to a potential fraudulent act. All of us at CES Credit Union wish you and yours’ good health and safety during this trying time!