COVID-19 Related Scams
Information
Psssssssst…………………
HEY! YOU! Yes you!
Did you know that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a heightened level of confusion, desperation, and fear in our society?
Did you know that because of the increased level of desperation, confusion, and fear some of us are going to make emotional decisions which could lead to being robbed?
Sams-Hockaday & Associates Inc., a leading insurer of older adults, reports today’s elderly population is more trusting and less likely to report fraud. (Protect Yourself AVOID COVID-19 Vaccine Scams. Retrieved November 2, 2022) And, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) this makes senior citizens the preferred targets for fraudsters. Scammers view you as vulnerable, an easy mark. Yes! You, the senior population. Those who have worked hard to save money for retirement, who have paid for a home, and are supposed to be enjoying your Golden Years!
Senior citizens are at greater risk for serious illnesses from the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, it is common that they have an increased level of concern. COVID-19 criminals know this too and they will use confusion, desperation, and fear to target what you worry about most: health, family, and finances. They intend to steal your information, your money, and monies from the US Government and federal health programs in YOUR name.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (USHHS) wants you to be aware that the crooks are staying informed by watching the news, visiting social media platforms websites and other ways. They are adapting their scams to the latest COVID developments. (Fraud alert: Covid-19 scams 2022) The bad guys mimic information provided to the public obtain enough information from you to rob you.
How?
Glad you asked!
According to USHHS, scammers use testing sites, telemarketing calls, text messages, emails, social media platforms. Sometimes they go door-to-door to carry out COVID-19-related thefts. These perpetrators are lying and being deceptive about COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatments.
Victims, especially Medicare beneficiaries, are contacted by phone, email, and social media and asked to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine and/or for payment to be put on a vaccine list or to reserve a spot for the vaccine. Likewise, crooked advertisers use the same means to sell fake COVID-19 vaccines or a cure. Vaccines are free. AND COVID-19 updates will NOT be reported for the first time in an ad on television or on social media.
Sadly, there are also some medical labs pursuing Medicare and federal health care programs with Covid-19 fraud schemes. They use testing sites to target retirement communities and are billing fraudulent charges. COVID tests are being offered, however, these labs are billing federal health care programs and Medicare for unnecessary medical services not related to COVID or provided to the beneficiaries. (Fraud alert: Covid-19 scams 2022). These fraudulent charges cause beneficiaries to face potential harm through medical identity theft by negatively impacting their medical record, their health insurance costs and eventually, their credit report.
Scammers also send emails and texts with links or attachments regarding COVID related benefits. If you click on the link or open the attachment, malware will be installed on your device and your passwords and other information can be stolen. The COVID criminals may also call, email, or text you claiming to be from a health care provider's office, pharmacy, health insurance company or Medicare. The hint that they are not from a reputable business and are crooks, is if they ask for your Social Security number, credit card number, or your bank account number. DISENGAGE!!!! Hang up the phone, block the phone number, mark the email as spam or delete it!
I know, I know. This is a lot of information to absorb. And COVID-19 scams change like the Oklahoma weather. These criminals modify their strategies to adapt to the updated information they see on the news channels, social media platforms and other means. They keep up with the current COVID-19 data. Their intent is to be convincing enough for you to give them sufficient personal information to rob you. You must be just as vigilant in protecting yourselves. Knowledge is key. Remember, these are professional criminals.
A good rule of thumb is: if in doubt STOP the process, whatever the form of contact. ALWAYS trust your instincts. If you suspect something is off, it most likely is. Go with that, you are probably right. ASK questions, ASK hard questions, ASK direct questions and then REASEARCH for yourself before you reveal personal information.
It may be uncomfortable, it may seem rude, or even disrespectful, or it may even be out of character for you to say no, hang up the phone, or close the door in someone’s face. Scammers count on these reactions. Remember, we live in a world where criminals prey on those they deem vulnerable through fear, confusion, and desperation tactics. They want victims afraid, confused, or desperate enough to believe that you must provide the information they or something bad will happen. OR that you will benefit greatly by getting a cure, preference receiving the latest vaccine, or a stimulus check and so on.
