{"id":581,"date":"2020-05-11T17:46:22","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T17:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sandbox.planmember.com\/dev-veritas\/3-common-coronavirus-scams\/"},"modified":"2020-07-06T22:13:18","modified_gmt":"2020-07-06T22:13:18","slug":"3-common-coronavirus-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sandbox.planmember.com\/dev-veritas\/3-common-coronavirus-scams","title":{"rendered":"3 common coronavirus scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Avoid adding to your financial struggles<\/h2>\n

As millions of Americans struggle financially from the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are flourishing. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans have lost more than $13 million to coronavirus-related scams.1<\/sup> Here\u2019s a look at three of the most common coronavirus-related scams.<\/p>\n

1. Stimulus payment scams<\/h3>\n

The government is in the process of sending out stimulus payments to millions of Americans, and scammers are capitalizing on the confusion\u00a0of the process to trick people\u00a0into divulging their bank account\u00a0information. This can result in both\u00a0the theft of your money and identity.\u00a0They may call pretending to be from\u00a0the government or your bank and ask you to verify your bank account info for quick delivery of your check. Keep in mind that IRS and any other government branch,\u00a0as well as your bank, will never contact you by phone, email or mail asking you to verify your information.<\/p>\n

2. Coronavirus product, testing and treatment scams<\/h3>\n

Scammers are creating fake websites pretending to offer hand sanitizer, face masks and other hard-to-find products. Some are also claiming to have access to home coronavirus test kits or treatments, but there are none approved by the Food and Drug Administration for home use at this time. When you visit these types of sites, you may be paying for something you will never receive, and\/or malicious software may be downloaded to your computer that steals your personal information. Don\u2019t visit or buy anything from unfamiliar websites without first investigating the site\u2019s legitimacy, and look for a lock icon near the URL bar that indicates the site is secure.<\/p>\n

3. Charity scams<\/h3>\n

Many companies and individuals are generously donating money to charities to help those affected by the coronavirus. Scammers may call or email you claiming to work for a well-known or fake charity to request a donation, but your donation will go into their pockets instead of the intended recipient. If you\u2019re going to donate,\u00a0make sure it\u2019s to a legitimate charity. You can search for the certified charitable organizations through the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search Tool<\/a>.2<\/sup> If it\u2019s a genuine charity, go to their website for safe ways to contribute.<\/p>\n

If you think there is any possibility that you\u2019re being scammed, do not give out any personal information. Make note of whatever information the scammer gives you, including names, websites, and phone numbers, and report it to the FTC<\/a>3<\/sup>and\/or the IRS<\/a>4<\/sup>. Also, never click\u00a0on any links within the emails of unfamiliar senders.
\nFor more information about coronavirus scams, visit FTC Coronavirus Advice for Consumers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Sources:
\n<\/em>1. consumer.ftc.gov\/blog\/2020\/04\/covid-%2019-scam-reports%20numbers<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/em>2. apps.irs.gov\/app\/eos\/<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/em>3.\u00a0ftccomplaintassistant.gov\/#crnt&panel1-1<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/em>4. irs.gov\/privacy-disclosure\/report-phishing<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Avoid adding to your financial struggles As millions of Americans struggle financially from the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are flourishing. 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