Be wary of profiteers during coronavirus
Acentury ago, scammers had fewer methods for luring the coins of customers with mock claims of cures for the misnamed Spanish Flu. They advertised primarily in newspapers. Not all of the quacks were even con artists, just companies overselling the benefits of their products. 1 “Milton kills the influenza germs ... A bottle of Milton will save a family ... Gargle the throat or snuff it up the nose.”
1 “Influenza and kindred diseases start with a cold. Don’t trifle with it. At the first shiver or sneeze, take Cascara Quinine.”
Fast-forward 102 years and predators have far more tools at their disposal. In the first few days of dramatic steps being taken in the 50 states, hucksters were already pitching miracle cures. They do not exist, whether in the form of pills and potions or teas and lollipops.
It took just a few hours for profiteers to try to exploit the Senate coming to terms on a $2 trillion bill to deliver relief to Americans feeling financial repercussions of changing work conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Better Business Bureau was quick to respond, warning that scammers are seeking to swindle people into surrendering personal information and bank account numbers on faux websites.
For the masters of identity theft, the coronavirus redefines America as a land of opportunity.
They are pursuing your money through emails, social media, robocalls and surely won’t hesitate to ring doorbells during the quarantine. That the crisis dovetails with mailings from the U.S. Census Bureau is only another open door.
“Bad actors are always looking for ways to profit off of people’s fears and anxieties,” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement. “This new scam is no different. There is zero connection between your 2020 Census response and any economic stimulus aid. If you receive any text messages, phone calls or emails falsely claiming this, please report this to my office immediately.”
State Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull offered some simple, wise advice: “If someone threatens to take away money or benefits unless you surrender personal information, it’s likely a scam.”
The state has a portal rounding up best practices at portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus. Among other things, it invites visitors to sign up for an alert system and emailed updates from Gov. Ned Lamont, along with answers to frequently asked questions.
People with the purest intentions have to be particularly wary of fake fundraising drives, as many legitimate ones are launching to help those in need. If in doubt, consult the Better Business Bureau’s BBB.org/ScamTracker.
The BBB is also providing online resources at BBB.org/Coronavirus, including guidance on flagging price gouging, making donations and dodging crowdfunding schemes.
Other reliable sites are offered by the World Health Organization (who.int) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/), which even provides tips on cleaning and disinfecting.
Toxic scams call for considerable discipline and awareness. Just like avoiding the coronavirus.
For the masters of identity theft, the coronavirus redefines America as a land of opportunity.