SAN ANTONIO – Scammers won’t let a worldwide pandemic stop them from working their schemes, so the Federal Trade Commission is letting the public know about some COVID-19 scams making the rounds.
Fake Cures/Treatments
The commission has sent letters to scammers pushing coronavirus treatments and cures, many of which were reported by the public.
The FTC said the sellers peddled everything from teas to essential oils to high doses of vitamin C, all with no evidence that they work against the virus.
Click here to learn more information about these types of scams and how you can report them.
Fake Testing Sites
Another type of scam the FTC is warning about includes fake COVID-19 testing sites. The commission said these sites can look like real testing sites, but watch out because these scammers are taking people’s personal information.
If you think you need to get tested, there are a few things you can do:
- Ask your doctor about testing or get tested at their practice.
- Call 311 to find a testing site near you.
- Visit a Metropolitan Health District testing site.
Click here to learn more information about these types of scams and how you can report them.
Text Message Scams
The FTC says you should also look for scammers who may be targeting you via text message.
If you get messages claiming to be related to the government’s monetary help for people affected by the coronavirus, don’t click on any links or attachments. They could expose your device to malware or get your phone number added to lists that are sold to other scammers.
You should also delete those messages immediately. If you have questions about the federal stimulus payment, visit IRS.gov/coronavirus.
Charity Scams
The FTC said scammers are targeting generous people by setting up fake charities or pretending to be existing ones.
So how can you make sure your donation goes to the right place?
- Search online for the charity’s name and the words “scam” or “fraud.”
- Review the charity’s ratings
- Check the charity’s registration status with your local charity regulator.
Click here to learn more information about these types of scams and how you can report them.
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