Don’t fall for a coronavirus con
- Kim Thompson: Better Business Bureau
- March 30, 2020
- 1256
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavius, has hit North America. While this is bad news for most Americans, it’s great news for scammers who are cashing in on our anxiety about the virus. Look out for fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other coronavirus cons.
Here is how the scam works. You are worried about coronavirus and hear about preventions or a "cure" on social media, in an email, or a website. The message or website contains a lot of information about this amazing product, including convincing testimonials or a conspiracy theory backstory. For example, one scam email claims that the government has discovered a vaccine but is keeping it secret for “security reasons.”
Don't do it. Currently there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines or drugs to prevent coronavirus, although treatments are in development. No approved vaccines, drugs, or products specifically for coronavirus can be purchased online or in stores. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters to several companies claiming they had a product to cure or prevent the virus.
Con artists are impersonating the CDC and the World Health Organization in phishing emails. These messages claim to have news about the disease and prompt readers to download malicious software. Another scam email tries to con people into donating to a fake fundraising effort, claiming to be a government program to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
A phone call is now being received with a very realistic-sounding female voicemail that says, “Hello, this is Nurse Jen calling to follow up on your tests from yesterday. Unfortunately you did test positive for coronavirus. No need to panic, but call us back with your credit card handy so we can overnight you your antibiotics. It’s important that you and any family or roommates stay home. Call us so we can get you your meds and give you further quarantine instructions.” Noone should call this number back or give their credit card information for antibiotics to fight a virus!
TIPS TO AVOID A CORONAVIRUS CON
Don’t panic. Do your research. Be skeptical of alarmist and conspiracy theory claims and don’t rush into buying anything that seems too good – or crazy – to be true. Always double check information you see online with official news sources. Be wary of personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence. All natural does not mean the same thing as safe. Check with your doctor. If you're tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first. Get help. When in doubt, call a friend, loved one or your local BBB to ask for a second opinion.
Read more about coronavirus scams on the FTC’s website at www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headlines and see BBB’s alert about counterfeit face masks at bit.ly/BBBMasks.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.
Visit bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow us on social media, and more.