COVID-19 Scams: How to Protect Yourself

COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the country, and the effects of coronavirus may be on the decline. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for COVID-related scams.

COVID-19 Financial Resource Guide

It’s unfortunate, but some bad actors will always take advantage of situations like COVID-19. In addition to everything else, individuals also need to be on the lookout for coronavirus scams that continue to crop up. In fact, there are so many coronavirus scams out there right now that the FTC created an FTC Scam Bingo game to try and spread the word. The FTC estimates that COVID-related scams have cost Americans $382 million. The FTC also released new tips for avoiding scams related to the vaccine itself.

Read up on what coronavirus scams to look out for and how you can protect yourself and your finances.

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

As vaccines become more readily available, be on the lookout for scammers trying to trick you into thinking they can help you get yours quicker. The FTC notes that you cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get early access to it. The organization also warns that nobody will call you and ask you for your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers.

How to Protect Yourself

Do not give out your SSN or other account numbers to anyone claiming to be able to help you get the vaccine. Use only your official state and city government sites to find appropriate places and ways to receive the COVID vaccine.

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COVID-19 Stimulus Check Scams

Some scammers are tricking people into thinking they need to provide personal information to obtain their government relief checks. Consumers do not need to sign up for the federal stimulus checks. Three stimulus checks have already been dispatched, and more could be on the way. Keep in mind that the IRS does not initiate contact by email, text, or social media.

How to Protect Yourself

Do not respond to any correspondence claiming to be the IRS or other branch of the government requesting personal information in exchange for access to your stimulus check. For accurate information about the federal relief checks and when you can expect yours, visit the IRS’s coronavirus resource.

Student Loan Scams

Americans owe over $1.71 trillion in student loan debt, so it’s no wonder that scammers are preying on this financially vulnerable population. Watch out for offers to forgive your student loan debt in its entirety or change your repayment plan for a fee, or requests for other personal information in order to suspend your payments in response to coronavirus. There is no such thing as instant student loan relief, and you should not need to pay a fee for help from your loan servicer. All federally backed loans have automatically suspended payments and set interest to 0%.

How to Protect Yourself

Do not accept unsolicited offers to help you with your student loan payments and never give out your personal information. If you are having trouble making payments because you’ve lost your job, reach out to your loan servicer for options.

Social Security Scams

Social Security scams are common, but coronavirus has put a new twist on the scam. Now, in addition to watching out for scammers claiming that your Social Security number is about to be suspended, you also need to watch out for calls or letters claiming that your benefits will be canceled due to coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security offices are closed, but officers are still working, and your benefits will not be suspended. And your Social Security number will never be suspended.

How to Protect Yourself

If you are unsure if a call or email is from the Social Security Administration, reach out to them yourself for confirmation before sharing any personal information. If you have already given you Social Security number to a scammer, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA for steps on how to protect your credit and identity.

Medicare Scams

Because older individuals are particularly susceptible to COVID-19, scammers have been targeting them with Medicare scams. Be on the lookout for fraudulent Medicare representatives asking you to verify personal information, like your bank account, Social Security, or Medicare numbers. Medicare representatives will never call you to verify your account number, offer you free equipment or services, or try to sell you anything.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’re not sure if a phone call is legitimate, hang up and call Medicare yourself. That way you can confirm that you are talking to an actual Medicare representative. To reach the Medicare office, call 1-800-633-4227.

Fraudulent Charities

Whether it’s a natural disaster or worldwide pandemic like the coronavirus, legitimate charities work hard to aid people in need. This can include providing food, funds, housing or other forms of assistance. Unfortunately, fake charities can crop up too. They might use names that sound similar to real charities and may even have emails, websites and phone numbers that seem legitimate but aren’t.

How to Protect Yourself

Donate to charities that you are already familiar with. If you’re questioning the legitimacy of a charity, you can use third-party websites to check credentials. Options include Charity Navigator and Give.org, which is maintained by the Better Business Bureau.

Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Scams

As you continue to navigate the uncharted waters of a worldwide pandemic, be on the lookout for COVID-19 scams. If you’re ever unsure about something, you can consult trustworthy government resources or well-known news outlets to verify information. Share this information about scams with others so they know what to be on the lookout for as well.