You may have already received some shady phone calls this week. Scammers, fraudsters and other criminals are taking advantage of rapidly changing data and facts associated with COVID-19, both in the workplace and in our homes. These scams, which can be sent over email, text message, social media and phone calls claim to provide COVID-19 updates, sell products, ask for charitable donations or reference government aid packages. These messages appear to be legitimate in nature but seek to fraudulently obtain personal information or financial gain, and to create panic.
Joseph Jimenez, wealth advisor and founder at Plano-based Toro Wealth Management, shared important tips to help the public identify and avoid scams.
Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts claiming to have inside information on the virus. There are currently no vaccines, potions, lozenges or other prescriptions available online or in-store to treat or cure COVID-19.
Do your homework prior to donating to charities or crowdfunding sites.
Confirm the validity of the organization as fraudsters are now advertising fake charities. Do not let anyone rush you into a donation, particularly those who ask for cash, gift cards or wiring of funds.
Do not click on links or open attachments from sources you do not know.
Cybercriminals are using the COVID-19 headline as a tactic to spread viruses and steal information. Do not provide personal information, payment information or sensitive workplace information via suspicious email addresses.
Be suspicious of urgent demands and emergency requests.
The health and safety of you and your family is the top priority. Do not fall for scammers threatening fees or fines, cancelled deliveries and health concerns in exchange for financial gain.
If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
Many individuals have begun to receive robo-calls and social media requests for social security numbers, banking information and gift cards. Scammers promise high paying work from home opportunities, free sanitation and cleaning, as well as COVID-19 protection in exchange for payment and sensitive information.
Be mindful of scammers using government aid packages for criminal gain.
Lawmakers have announced plans to send Americans checks to assist with the financial burden of the virus, with details still in discussion. The government will not request payment, nor will anyone reach out requesting personally sensitive health or financial information in exchange for financial support.
Obtain your news from a trusted source.
Be mindful of text message scams, social media polls and fraudulent email accounts sharing false information to create panic. Before acting on information, review its source and check a trusted news outlet to confirm its validity.
When in doubt, ask a coworker, family member, or friend for their opinion. Two sets of eyes are better than one. If you believe you have fallen victim of a scam, call Plano Police at the non-emergency number 972-424-5678 and consider reporting it to the FBI’s IC3 Internet Crime Database.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding scams, please do not hesitate to contact Joseph at Plano-based Toro Wealth Management.
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.
