{"id":4092,"date":"2020-04-07T13:27:41","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T17:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/?p=4092"},"modified":"2020-04-07T13:27:41","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T17:27:41","slug":"avoiding-covid-19-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/avoiding-covid-19-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoiding COVID-19 Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Unfortunately, some people\u2014including criminals\u2014often look for opportunities to take advantage of others during times of national crisis. The current COVID-19 pandemic creates a perfect environment for lawbreakers who may be targeting vulnerable victims. Very often, their targets may be older adults.<\/p>\n

Here are some effective defenses to help stop criminals in their tracks. Arm yourself with these smart strategies to protect yourself and your family against scammers.<\/p>\n

First Step<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make sure to fact-check all the COVID-19 information you receive. Don\u2019t share any messages about the virus on social media or email\u2014or even in conversation with friends and loved ones\u2014unless you verify the information is from a trusted source. Look to government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC<\/a>), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA<\/a>), or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC<\/a>). If you\u2019re unsure about a news item or piece of information, use a fact-checking website such as www.snopes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Telephone Fraud<\/strong><\/p>\n

You get a call that seems to be coming from the CDC<\/a>. It\u2019s a plea for a donation to them during this time of crisis. But in reality, this is \u201cgovernment impersonation fraud,\u201d say CDC officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cFederal agencies do not request donations from the general public,\u201d says the CDC. Other phone frauds include fake coronavirus treatments, vaccinations, work-at-home schemes, or opportunities to provide personal protective gear and cleaning products. Some scammers may also call claiming to be friends or relatives who need immediate financial assistance related to COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Protect Yourself<\/u>:<\/p>\n