ReclaimMyID

In times of crisis, criminals will take advantage of mass hysteria and fear. One of the easiest times to scam an individual is when they aren’t thinking straight, or their judgement is clouded. We are currently living in a terrifying time with the COVID-19 outbreak, and scammers are out in full force. It is important that you learn how to spot Coronavirus scams before you get taken advantage of. Every day we are bombarded with information and you need to stay alert in order to stay safe.

Tips To Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Never click a link from a source you don’t know. Whether this link is in an e-mail, social media message or text message, never click the link unless you are 100 percent sure the sender is legitimate. Clicking a malicious link could download a virus to your computer or device. Phishing is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft, and even more so due to quarantining.
Beware of fraudulent e-mails claiming to be from the CDC. One of the hottest scams are e-mails which claim to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with information regarding the Coronavirus. Oftentimes, these e-mails will look very legitimate, but actually not be from the CDC. Even if the link in the e-mail says it is from cdc.gov, the link may take you to an entirely different website.
Be wary of pushy charities. Any charity or persons of need who ask you to donate quickly should instantly draw a red flag. If you wish to donate, you should be able to do so at your own pace. Also, if you are asked to donate via money transfer, cash or gift card, this should also raise suspicions. Before you donate, you should research the charity you intend to give money to. A website like Charity Navigator can provide you with information on any legitimate charity.
Online offers claiming to have a vaccine should be ignored. If a vaccine were to have been completed for Coronavirus, do you think you’d first hear about it from an online advertisement? If you’re looking for up to date information on the Coronavirus, visit the CDC Official Site or World Health Organization (WHO).

In the coming days, weeks and months you will have lots of information and offers throw your way. Your best bet is to be suspicious of everything and treat everything with extra care. Using caution will allow you to learn how to spot Coronavirus scams. You and your family have enough to worry about without having to worry about identity theft. Stay alert and stay safe.