10 COVID-19 scams spreading right now that people are falling for
The numbers are staggering. The Federal Trade Commission says coronavirus-related scams have cost Americans $13.4 million so far this year. Google blocks more than 100 million phishing emails every day as criminals try to steal money and personal information. About 18 million of them are coronavirus-related.
Scam websites pose as the real thing, collecting personal data and credit card numbers. With over 40,000 domain names using the word “coronavirus,” you have to be on alert.
Scam calls are getting more convincing, too. In the last year alone, Americans were swindled out of $19.7 billion over the phone. That number will only increase with new COVID-19 tricks up scammers’ sleeves. Tap or click for tips on protecting yourself from these con artists.
The only thing that can make a pandemic worse is letting scammers and cybercriminals take advantage of you.
1. Blood and saliva from ‘COVID survivors’
If you’re desperate for immunity and are searching around the Dark Web, you might find blood and saliva samples from a “coronavirus survivor” and wonder at its possibilities. Could it be true, that these bodily fluids for sale in an online marketplace will bolster your body against COVID?
It’s a hoax. You’ll never see the blood and even if it is true, other people’s blood may be tainted with diseases, such as Hepatitis and HIV. Talk to your doctor instead.
I covered this hoax in detail on my show — listen to the podcast here.
2. Expedited stimulus checks
Most Americans can expect a small boost from the government. Although the stimulus bill was slow to pass and even slower to make its way to your bank account, the best thing you can do is budget and wait. You may receive authentic-sounding email offers and phone calls to expedite payment or even increase the amount on your check.
The IRS has a site for you to check on your payment status. If you’re getting the “Payment Status Not Available” message at the IRS site, there are three reasons why. If one of those reasons is that you did not file your taxes in 2018 or 2019, the IRS has a special website to get your relief payment.