Protect yourself from coronavirus fraud
Restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus have saved untold numbers of lives. The world has adjusted to such restrictions, and many parts of the world have relaxed measures as the number of COVID-19 cases has declined.
As communities begin to return to some semblance of normalcy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned people against letting their guard down. While many of those warnings pertain to the importance of continuing to practice social distancing as economies reopen, advisories also include notices about fraud schemes related to COVID-19.
Consumers should also be aware of unemployment fraud as scammers take advantage of filing changes that have been implemented during the pandemic. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said her office has had hundreds of complaints from Arkansans who have had their information used to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits. The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services typically requires in-person application for unemployment benefits, but as a result of the need for social distancing, an online application was created that only requires a name, date of birth, Social Security number and employer verification. This abbreviated procedure allows scam artists to use information on consumers from prior data breaches.
The attorney general noted the importance of being aware of such schemes. Awareness can help consumers avoid being victimized by scammers, and the following are some additional measures people can take to protect themselves from COVID-19-related fraud.
• Do not share personal account information. Scammers need their victims’ personal information to perpetrate fraudulent schemes. The CDC cautions beneficiaries to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers.
• Do not take callers or visitors at face value. Unsolicited callers or visitors requesting Medicare or Medicaid information should be met with extreme caution. Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. Compromised personal information may be used in other fraud schemes.
• Never click on links in emails or text messages. Do not respond to, or open hyperlinks in, text messages or emails about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.
• Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on socialmedia sites. Offers or ads for testing are one of the ways scammers are accessing personal information. Only a physician or other trusted health care provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.
The COVID-19 outbreak has made it easy for criminals to exploit consumers who are concerned about their health. Consumers who suspect COVID-19 fraud can contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or file a complaint at justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.