AMERICANS TAKE HEED: THE LATEST SCAMS TO ENTER OUR EMAIL INBOX AND CAUSE OUR TELEPHONES TO RING JUST A LITTLE MORE OFTEN

AMERICANS TAKE HEED: THE LATEST SCAMS TO ENTER OUR EMAIL INBOX AND CAUSE OUR TELEPHONES TO RING JUST A LITTLE MORE OFTEN

Just when everyone is beginning to learn the jargon associated with America’s Coronavirus Crisis, or phrases like “social distancing,” “shelter-in-place,” and all of the protocols we’re being taught every day as precautionary measures to avoid this deadly virus, it’s not enough that we must also be hypervigilant in the newest scams taking place in our email Inboxes and on our telephone lines we’re beginning to receive. So, please, everyone: take some extra heed to these latest warnings, and know they’re not to overwhelm you, but instead to protect you from the latest scams thieves just have to make their attempts to capitalize on when they find someone they deem to be weak and vulnerable. Let’s show them all we’re smarter than they are.

As we’re all paying attention to the latest rules of engagement for the Corona virus, let’s also keep a few things in mind while we’re creating our lists and checking them twice. Predators will always work their hustle to take advantage of your fears.

As President Trump goes about working to help Americans with a COVID-19 stimulus package, news networks across the country are beginning to receive dozens of calls from viewers and audiences which claim you can receive your money right away if you simply give the caller your debit or credit card information. In some cases, scammers are suggesting you qualify for anywhere from $1,000 to $14,000 in relief from the federal government for COVID-19. In addition, some of these scammers are going so far as to suggest that this money is federal grant money.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a warning about scammers who are also promoting false coronavirus cures, extending offers for fake testing kits, and sending text messages which are nothing more than hoaxes and false news, preying on those whose virus-related fears are at an all-time high.

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email about anything related to the stimulus package or any of the aforementioned subjects mentioned here, remember the rule of thumb: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Instead, contact your local Governor’s Office or your local governmental agency responsible for providing your community’s regularly-scheduled updates about COVID-19. Also, please never pay money to receive money. That is a sure-fire sign you are being scammed.

Predatory behavior is just beginning. If you’re asked for any personal information or to provide any type of credit or debit card or payment information, simply hang up. In addition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering this advice when it comes to scams related to COVID-19:

Scammers will exploit any situation they think will help them become more successful in their scam. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus Crisis, these predators have found a huge platform which preys on our fears, making us more likely to become victimized.

Be aware that criminals are attempting to use malicious websites and apps which appear to be sharing virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received, and will probably continue to find newer methods when those fail to exploit COVID-19 worldwide. Report all scams and attempted fraud to the federal government’s internet fraud website at www.ic3.gov. Do not be afraid to report this information, and do not feel like you are alone in these attempts to be victimized. You are not. Again, these predators are trying to capitalize on the fears of people worldwide. Right now, we’re concentrating on helping you, our fellow American.

Finally, remember these following four tips to protect yourself, your Family, your friends and neighbors, and together, we can help to put a swift halt on this activity from these would-be thieves:

Tip 1: Within your email, avoid opening attachments and clicking on links within emails from any sender you do not recognize. Pretty simple instructions for right now.

Tip 2: Always verify the information you receive by any form, whether it’s a text, a phone call from which you’ve hung up on the caller, or an email. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website or call your local Governor’s office or the local governmental agency providing you with information updates daily.

Tip 3: Always refuse to provide login credentials or financial data in response to an email. Any stimulus package which may occur has not been finalized, to date. Count on news from Law Enforcement Today and your local and national news outlets for information that will be announced when we know it. Keep it simple. Right?

Tip 4: Visit websites by inputting their domain names manually.

All of these safety tips are to keep you and your money protected, to keep you from becoming prey to fraud, and to add to our existing safeguards. While we’re all overwhelmed, these few extra security precautions will ensure you’re not the next victim of any of the COVID-19 virus-related scams, because I value you, my loyal Reader and Member of my Blog.