Troopers issue alert for coronavirus-related scams

State police this week advised residents to remain vigilant against scams attempting to exploit their fears and anxieties over the coronavirus pandemic.

In a community awareness bulletin, troopers pointed out that criminals often use current events to their benefit, working to gain the sympathy and trust of their victims.

Among the scams circulating:

• Fraudulent fundraising campaigns that claim to collect for the CDC or WHO, or for victims through a crowdfunding site, such as GoFundMe.

• Price gouging on household supplies such as bathroom tissue, hand sanitizer and bleach. Pennsylvania law defines gouging as charging a price over 20% of the price charged before the emergency started. Report gouging to the attorney general’s office at attorneygeneral.gov. • Advertisements for supplies that take your money and fail to deliver what was promised.

• Advertisements on social or other media claiming to sell vaccines, cures, or tests for COVID-19. Some of these “treatments” are dangerous, but all are worthless. There is currently no known cure or vaccine for COVID-19 and tests must be obtained through a physician or hospital.

• Investment opportunities that promise high returns for low risk, or that claim to be a hedge against a volatile market. For more information, visit the media page on the state Department of Banking and Securities website.

• Phishing emails that use fear of COVID-19 to get you to download malware to your computer. These emails claim to be from the CDC or the World Health Organization and may have an attachment claiming to be a list of cures.

• Malicious websites mirroring legitimate sources of information. Currently, a malicious website is masquerading as the Johns Hopkins University of Medicine coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases map. Troopers recommend: Verify charities through charities.pa.gov. Do not contribute to a crowdfunding campaign unless you know the people who are collecting the money or who stand to benefit from the drive.

Avoid purchasing supplies from unfamiliar companies. Stick to companies and stores you know. If you decide to buy from an unfamiliar source, use a credit card.

Check unknown or suspicious files and URLs for malware. Individuals can check files and links by scanning them using www. virustotal.com.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information about the coronavirus COVID-19, visit the Department of Health website.

To report scams, call local police.