Since the Gov. Beshear’s recommendation of social distancing and isolation along with President Trump announcing that a large number of citizens will be receiving stimulus checks, many households have received an increase in fraudulent calls and emails trying to steal their information or money.
According to the Kentucky Coronavirus Fraud Task Force, scammers may take advantage of COVID-19 outbreak fears by selling bogus “treatments” and “prevention” products, sending seemingly legitimate emails with malicious links or attachments, or even establishing fake charities.
To combat these fraudulent entities, the Kentucky Coronavirus Fraud Task Force released tips for Kentuckians to avoid COVID-19 fraud.
These tips include :
- Hang up on robocalls.
- Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam COVID-19 treatments to work-at-home schemes.
- Verify information.
- Contact trust sources to confirm information is correct. For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- Know who you’re buying from.
- Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, or health and medical supplies.
- Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
- They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
- Do your homework.
- Don’t let anyone rush you into making decisions. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
To report COVID-19 scams :
- Call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
- Call the Kentucky Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 888-432-9257
- Visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
For reliable information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit our Mountain Top News Facebook page or website.
Source: Mountain Top
