Watch out for scams related to COVID-19:

 

Watch out for scams related to COVID-19:

As we all focus on our health and the wellbeing of others during these very trying times, it’s unfortunate that unscrupulous people are trying to take advantage of everyone’s distress.  Scammers are sending fraudulent emails, text messages and even calling in an attempt to obtain your personal information. The emails may look real and the phone calls seem genuine, but unfortunately, they are not.

Below are some ways to help spot a scam and avoid becoming a victim:

Always be skeptical – Fraudulent e-mails are intentionally created to look like they come from a real company or organization. They will likely even have their logo.  If you have any doubts go to the company’s main website and use the contact details found there vs the contact details contained in the email

Never send personal and/or financial information by e-mail or provide it over the phone.

Check senders email address – One big red flag is when email domain doesn’t match the organization that the sender says they are from, watch for spelling mistakes.

Never click on links or open attachments if you have any doubt.

Protect your computer, make sure you have anti-spam/anti-spyware and anti-virus software installed and up to date.

Always ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits – These are not available at this time.

Specifically, be careful of emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO).

Everyone wants to help and make donations to charities – If you are approached or solicited by one of these charities by phone, email or door to door- Do your homework and never give any payment of any kind over the phone, in person or by responding to an email.  Go directly to the website and don’t use any links provided.

Here is the latest list that have been detected and published on the Canadian anti-fraud center website:

• Loan and financial service companies
  • offering loans, debt consolidation and other financial assistance services
• Cleaning or heating companies
  • offering duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19
• Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies
  • threatening to disconnect your power for non-payment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization
  • offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighborhood
• Public Health Agency of Canada
  • giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19
  • tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription
• Red Cross and other known charities
  • offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation
• Government departments
  • sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails
  • tricking you into opening malicious attachments
  • tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
• Financial advisors
  • pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease
  • offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shutdowns
• Door-to-door salespeople
  • selling household decontamination services
• Private companies
  • offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
    • Only health care providers can perform the tests
    • No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results
  • selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
    • Unapproved drugs threaten public health and violate federal laws

Please regularly review the link below to stay current:

https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm