10-25-2020 Aging Resource Guide - Flipbook - Page 30
PROTECT YOURSELF
BEWARE
OF COVID
CON ARTISTS
The novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes
-- COVID-19 -- have certainly slowed things down for many of
us, curtailing many businesses, schools, and social activities.
However, business is booming for con artists and scammers
who are using COVID-19 to unleash a pandemic of schemes
to fleece the public – particularly older adults. Here are some
of the many COVID-related scams that you should be on the
lookout for:
Fake Test Kits, Medicines and Vaccines:
Scammers are calling or sending text messages to older adults
offering these fake COVID-related products in an attempt
to collect credit card or banking information. In some cases,
scammers are posing as officials from the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS) and asking seniors to “verify” their
Medicare ID or Social Security number. Scammers also ask
victims to provide a home addresses for delivery of the fake
products.
HVAC Services:
Some scammers offer air duct cleaning and sanitation,
promising that this will protect you from the corona virus. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises homeowners
that when used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can
help reduce airborne contaminants. However, air cleaning or
filtration by itself is not enough to protect you from COVID-19.
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How to Protect Yourself
• Don’t answer calls or
respond to text messages
that come from unknown or
suspicious numbers.
•Don’t share personal or
financial information via
phone, email, or text.
• Refrain from clicking
suspicious links in text
messages or emails, even if
they appear to come from a
friend or family member.
• Verify charities by calling or
checking the organization’s
website before
giving money.
• Check with your phone
company about call blocking
services and apps to
filter out suspected spam
robocalls.
What to do if you or
someone you know falls
victim to a COVID-19 scam
• Contact local law
enforcement
• File a complaint with the
Federal Trade Commission
(FTC)
2020 – 2021 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide