How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus-Related Fraud

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide, both in terms of health and finances. During such difficult times, many fraudulent activities have emerged, preying on individuals’ fears and vulnerabilities. From fake vaccine offers to phishing scams, the pandemic has seen a rise in coronavirus-related fraud. It is crucial to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself from these scams.

In this article, we will guide you on how to recognize, avoid, and protect yourself against coronavirus-related fraud. We will cover the different types of fraud, signs to watch for, and actionable steps to ensure that you stay safe during these challenging times.

Tips to Avoid Fraud

1. Understanding Coronavirus-Related Fraud

Fraudsters have taken advantage of the pandemic by exploiting people’s worries and the uncertainty surrounding the virus. There are several types of coronavirus-related fraud, each with different methods and goals. Below are the most common ones:

a. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are one of the most common types of fraud, especially during a crisis like COVID-19. In a phishing scam, fraudsters pretend to be legitimate organizations such as government agencies, health organizations, or charities to steal sensitive information.

For example, you might receive an email that appears to be from the World Health Organization (WHO), claiming that you need to click a link to access COVID-19 testing results or receive an emergency grant. The link might lead you to a fake website where they ask for your personal information, including your bank details or Social Security number.

b. Fake COVID-19 Tests and Vaccines

As the world races to find a solution to the pandemic, fraudsters have taken advantage of people’s desperation for COVID-19 tests and vaccines. They offer fake testing kits, promising immediate results or guaranteed vaccine access in exchange for payment or personal details.

c. Fraudulent Donations and Charities

Many fraudsters use the pandemic as an opportunity to appeal to people’s generosity. They create fake charities or fundraising campaigns claiming to help frontline workers, those affected by the virus, or to fund research for a vaccine. These fraudulent organizations often have convincing websites and emotional appeals, making it easy for people to get tricked into donating.

d. Fake Government Aid Programs

Various government bodies have rolled out financial relief programs to support people during the pandemic. However, fraudsters have used these programs as an opportunity to deceive individuals into handing over their money or personal information. Scammers might ask you to pay upfront fees to access government aid or request personal details under the guise of confirming your eligibility.

e. Online Shopping Scams

With more people shopping online due to lockdowns and social distancing measures, scammers have set up fake e-commerce websites selling goods related to COVID-19. From protective gear like masks and hand sanitizers to disinfectants and cleaning products, fraudsters offer these items at a price that seems too good to be true. Once you make a purchase, you never receive the products, and your personal information may be sold or misused.

f. Investment Scams

The pandemic has created an uncertain financial climate, leading many people to look for alternative ways to secure their financial future. Some scammers have taken advantage of this by promoting fraudulent investment opportunities in “COVID-safe” stocks, cryptocurrency schemes, or other unregulated investments. These investments promise high returns and low risk, but in reality, they are designed to steal your money.

2. Signs of Coronavirus-Related Fraud

It is essential to recognize the signs of a scam early so you can protect yourself. Here are some common warning signs that can help you identify fraudulent activity:

• Unsolicited Messages: Be cautious if you receive unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to offer COVID-19-related services or financial aid.
• Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush you into making quick decisions without thinking. Be wary of offers that pressure you to act quickly, such as limited-time vaccine availability or emergency financial aid.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be suspicious of fake COVID-19 tests, vaccines, or treatments offered at a discount or with guarantees that sound unrealistic.
• Requests for Personal Information or Money: Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information such as bank details, passwords, or Social Security numbers via email or text message. Never share personal details unless you’re certain it’s from a trusted source.
• Unfamiliar Websites: Be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources. Scammers often create fake websites that resemble legitimate ones, but they may have subtle differences like misspelled domain names or suspicious URLs.
• Too Much Emotion: Many fraudsters use emotional appeals, such as stories about victims of COVID-19, to manipulate you into making a donation or buying their product. Always verify the legitimacy of such requests before responding.

3. How to Protect Yourself From Coronavirus-Related Fraud

Now that you know about the different types of fraud and how to recognize them, let’s discuss practical steps to protect yourself:

a. Verify Information Before Acting

If you receive an email, phone call, or text message offering COVID-19-related products, services, or financial assistance, always verify the information before taking action. For example, if you get an email claiming to offer government aid, visit the official government website directly (not through the link in the email) to confirm if the offer is legitimate.

For health-related concerns, check reputable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or your country’s health department for accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19 tests and vaccines.

b. Use Trusted and Secure Websites

When shopping online, ensure that the website is secure and legitimate. Look for the lock symbol in the browser’s address bar and verify that the website’s URL starts with “https://” (not “http://”). If a website doesn’t have this security feature, it might be unsafe.

c. Be Cautious with Donations

Before donating money to a charity, make sure it’s a legitimate organization. You can verify this by checking the charity’s registration and looking for reviews or feedback from other donors. Trusted websites like Charity Navigator and Better Business Bureau can help you identify legitimate charities.

Never send money or personal information to someone you don’t know or trust. If a donation request feels suspicious, it’s best to ignore it.

d. Don’t Share Personal Information

Avoid sharing personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords, with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Legitimate organizations will never ask for such sensitive data through emails, texts, or phone calls.

If you are asked for personal details, ensure the request is coming from a verified source. Always double-check phone numbers and email addresses before responding.

e. Report Fraudulent Activity

If you believe you’ve encountered fraud, report it immediately. You can report scams to your country’s consumer protection agency or fraud hotline. In the U.S., for example, you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scams.

f. Stay Updated on Scams

Fraud tactics change over time, so it’s essential to stay updated on the latest scams. Follow reputable sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Better Business Bureau (BBB) to keep track of emerging threats.

You can also join online communities or forums where people share information about scams and ways to protect themselves.

4. Additional Tips to Stay Safe

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For added protection, enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts. This extra layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
• Check Your Bank Statements: Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your bank immediately.
• Use Trusted Security Software: Install reliable antivirus software and a firewall to protect your devices from malware or phishing attacks.
• Educate Family and Friends: Share your knowledge of scams with family members, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to fraud. Help them recognize the signs of scams and encourage them to take precautions.