Tips on How to Avoid COVID-19 Related Scams

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Tips on How to Avoid COVID-19 Related Scams

July 26, 2020

Even with an ongoing pandemic, fraudsters and scammers are still at large, in fact, they are becoming more active now that everyone is going online. Be smart and alert against the common scams going around that are mostly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some tips to avoid them:

Do Your Homework

Don’t trust easily, especially when you are online where people can mask their true intentions easily. Be proactive in doing research and double-checking everything before fully believing anything you see online. Never give sensitive information without fully knowing who you are talking to

Think Twice Before You Click

If you receive an unsolicited text or email from someone you don’t know asking you to click on a link, don’t do it. Cybercriminals who are trying to mine data can send malicious links through emails or even post them publicly with enticing titles that people will most likely click. These links can give your gadgets a virus or can even hack your personal accounts to get sensitive information. Also, be smart about what you are sharing online. Only trust legitimate sources like government websites.

Avoid Any “Miracle” Cures

Scammers are playing on people’s fear of the pandemic and using it to their advantage by offering fake and dangerous miracle cures. No medication or vaccine has been developed and approved by authorities to cure COVID-19 so don’t believe in any of these miracle claims. These most likely exist to create investment scams.

Watch Out For Employment And Unemployment Scams

Beware of job offers that sound too good to be true. Scammers use job offers to steal your identity or banking information, or ask you to complete complex tasks with no pay as trial. Some will also offer you unemployment benefits that are fake and are just there to get sensitive information.

Research Before You Donate

If you feel compelled to support a coronavirus related cause with a financial donation, make sure the charity is legitimate. Check with Give.org to verify the trustworthiness of the soliciting charity.

Be smart and avoid these scams by familiarizing yourself with them. The best equipment you can have against them is knowledge!

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