BEWARE: Avoiding Scams in the Wake of COVID-19 

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to what the World Health Organization has deemed an “Infodemic” considering people are given a wealth of medical, economic, and other information to sift through about the disease. While news outlets, government agencies, and health care providers work to provide accurate and helpful information to the public, scammers are capitalizing on the public’s questions and uncertainties at this difficult time.

Common scams that have been reported thus far are robocalls claiming to be from government agencies, fake medical advertisements for home test kits, and general price gouging on internet sales platforms. States have also begun cracking down on scams such as advertisements for assistance with completing stimulus package paperwork and fraudulent salesmen selling ineffective treatments via website ads.

The FTC and FBI have released practical guidance to avoid falling victim to these common scams. Always hang up immediately when you receive a robocall. Never give any personal information out over the phone; government agencies who do need your information will contact you by regular mail. Consult your doctor, the CDC guidelines, or a state-run hotline for COVID-19 information before beginning any medical treatment.

In light of the new benefits provided to individuals and businesses under the CARES Act, it is undeniable that scammers will seek to use this to their advantage in obtaining your personal information. If you believe you have experienced a COVID-19 related scam, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721.

Also, remember that the experienced attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC are here to help you through these unprecedented times. For guidance with the CARES Act, contact the experienced attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC. We can be reached via email at info@rfclaw.com, or phone at (312) 494-1000.