Authorities warn of scammers

Be aware of those trying to take advantage of COVID-19 pandemic

“Any time there’s a crisis, there’s scam artists that come along with it,” Governor Mike

DeWine said during his March 19 press conference.

“Any time there’s a crisis, anytime there’s something tough that goes on, after a tornado for example, there’s always scam artists,” DeWine said.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is no exception.

“It’s the most despicable thing,” DeWine said.

Some target people online. “They might not live in Ohio... we don’t know where they live,” the governor said.

DeWine said that if someone is on the Internet trying to get someone’s personal data, don’t give it to them.

“These are the same basic rules that we’ve had in the past,” he said.

Area police departments stated they’ve heard reports that in the Cleveland area there are people going door-to-door pretending to test people for COVID-19.

Painesville police stated in a March 18 Facebook post there were no reported incidents of that occurring in their city, but it is important to make people aware of the possible scam.

“Please be aware people will likely find ways to take advantage of others during the current pandemic,” Willowick police stated in a similar Facebook post. Area departments stated that if people see anything that appears suspicious to contact their local police department.

Ohio Attorney General David Yost’s office is also offering tips to avoid scams

“COVID-19 is not the only thing we have to protect ourselves against,” Yost said in a statement. “Thieves and crooks prey on fear and uncertainty. Ohioans need to inoculate themselves against an outbreak of scams with knowledge and good practices.”

The attorney general’s office tips are:

• Watch out for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other expert sources with special advice or information about the coronavirus. Legitimate information is available for free on the CDC’s website.

• Ignore online advertisements promoting cures for the coronavirus. According to the Federal Trade Commission, “There currently are no vaccines, pills, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-thecounter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) online or in stores.”

• Research nonprofit organizations and crowdfunding campaigns before donating. A database of registered charities is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website. Avoid groups that pressure you into donating and never donate via cash, gift cards, wire transfer or prepaid money card. These are the preferred payment methods of scammers.

• Be cautious of anyone going door to door offering coronavirus testing or temperature readings and requesting personal information. Call law enforcement immediately if you see a suspicious person. Never let strangers into your home.

• Beware of emails and other attempts to “phish” for personal, financial and medical information. When in doubt, do not share. If the source claims to be your bank or a government agency, confirm they are legitimate by calling the organization at a phone number you have verified.

• Amid discussions of providing working families with government checks, know that nothing has been formalized yet. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission website and stay tuned for updates from reliable news sources.

• When online, avoid clicking on unknown links or pop-ups and never download any suspicious email attachment. Doing so could infect your devices with malicious software designed to steal your personal information or lock your computer until you pay a ransom.