Avoid CORONAVIRUS Scams

Learn how to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer.  Legitimate tracers will call from your local Health Department and will ask for health information, not money or personal financial information.

Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government.  The IRS will never contact you by text, email or by phone.

Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits.  Scammers are selling products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work.

Be wary of ads for test kits.  Most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA, and aren’t necessarily accurate.

Hang up on robocalls.  Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.

Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO.  Use sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.

Avoid charity scams.  Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation.  Never donate by cash, gift cards, or by wiring money.  That is the way scammers ask you to pay.

For more information visit:  ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams