Of course, 99 percent of us are coming together by staying apart as we deal with the new reality which is the COVID-19 pandemic.
Then there’s that other one percent.
Unbelievable as it may sound, there are already some who are seeing COVID-19 as a vehicle to make money.
We’re not just talking about hiding a garage full of Charmin Ultra Soft, then trying to charge five bucks a roll.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported last week Americans had already been bilked out of $6-million by COVID scams and the number is sure to go up a lot more.
Average loss per successful scam is $600.
Here are a few to watch out for, courtesy of the FTC:
Test Kit Phone Scam—Caller advises federal actions have made free virus test kits available overnight and asks you to press “1” if you want one delivered. Not happening and it won’t be “free.”
Student Loan Callback Scam—Voice says “hello, this is Brad (or something) with an important message on the outbreak of the coronavirus on your student loan.” It then asks you to call an 855 area code number “for more information on how these new measures will fully impact your future payment obligations.”
Social Security Scam—Caller identifies as “from the Social Security Administration” and says your “socials” have been suspended, citing the virus. The potential victim is asked to call an 888 number within 24 hours. None of this is true, of course. They will ask for personal info.
Delivery Scam—Offers to deliver sanitizers, hand-wash, toilet paper and face masks to your door then gives you two choices, press 1 for delivery or press 2 for safety tips. Pressing either will continue the scam attempt.
HVAC for Virus Scam—Offers to have “highly trained technicians” come to your house to do a “full air duct cleaning and sanitation” for a price.
Diabetic Test Kit Scam—A two for one. Offers free diabetic monitor and coronavirus testing kit for anyone taking insulin. Fake.
Work From Home Scam—You get a “courteous invitation from Amazon” to work from home and make $400 a day with no experience required. Guess what? It’s not Amazon. A 360 phone number is given.
You’ve got to ask yourself what kind of person would call up a sheltering-in-place senior citizen and lie to them about their Social Security benefits? Actually, that’s pretty easy to answer.
There’s already enough sickness out there. Please beware of these predators.—M.B.
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