Scammers take advantage when people are distracted

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, criminals worldwide are using COVID-19 for a variety of scams. Some reports are of:

  • Fake cures being sold online
  • Phishing emails posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Malicious websites and apps appearing to share information about the virus to gain and lock access to devices until a sum is paid
  • Requests for donations for illegitimate or nonexistent organizations

Medicare says that scammers are using COVID-19 as an opportunity to steal people’s identities and commit Medicare fraud.In some cases, scammers might say they’ll send you a coronavirus test, masks or other medical supplies in exchange for your Medicare number or personal information. They might try a number of ways to get to you, including telemarketing calls, social media and door-to-door visits.

Other scams involve calls or emails about the stimulus check the government is sending or that state your COVID-19 test is positive and you must go to the hospital immediately. Then the scammer asks for personal information to send the stimulus check or for the treatment.

Remember!

  • Never give out personal information to someone you don’t know. This includes your social security number.
  • Medicare will never call, text or email you to request or verify your Medicare number or personal information unless you’ve given permission in advance.
  • If you have questions about COVID-19, including treatment and tests, talk to your doctor.