Tricks of Covid-19 Scammers

With so many isolated because of the virus, more people are vulnerable to deception. Scam artists are using this time to exploit the fear, isolation and uncertainty due to this disease. It makes it easier to fall for scams.

Criminals are preying on vulnerable people with fake work-at-home jobs, fraudulent charities, and even money seeking potential partners through dating sites ! Some are even out to get your stimulus check !

How do they do it you might ask ?

• Friendly voice– Even before Coronavirus, 1 in 4 older adults were socially isolated. Today that’s even higher with the state of affairs. When you’re lonely, it’s nice to hear a friendly voice on the phone or even on social media. Scammers use information they get access to online to seal the envelope in a sense. They complement and get you to like them so you will believe in their lies.
• Official sounding sources– In these uncertain times, we rely even more on what other people tell us. Scammers may identify themselves as being from the IRS or even the CDC. They make up advice from experts as well as create fake organizations that sound impressive.
• Use your intelligence against you– Some get drawn in with complements especially to their intelligence and ability to understand a great opportunity. Those that seem to fall especially hard for these people are the ones that think they are smarter and can spot a phony.
• Helping in hard times– There are some scams involving fake charities, romantic partners in need promising the world, and grandchildren away from home, in need of cash. With so many out of work and travel restricted, these stories are even more likely to be believed.
• Relieving your new anxieties– With such job loss, stocks plummeting, and scary virus risks, scammers can easily manipulate your fears and present you with the opportunities you were hoping to find. The fake work at home jobs, made up investment schemes, and phony websites to buy face masks, hand sanitizer, and coronavirus tests, and remedies, sound like heaven.
• The ACT NOW– They entice you to Act now or miss out on limited supplies, or possibly a new job to replace the one you lost. When you are fearful, you are more likely to pull the trigger on these, and they know it.

How to turn the Tables

1. Cut them off– Throw away the ads,, delete the online offers and hang up on unsolicited offers. You don’t have to answer the phone to those numbers you don’t recognize. Don’t click on links or provide your personal information in emails.
2. End suspect online friendships– It’s not the time to trust strangers, even though they seem genuine. In fact, scammers are pretty great at being nice. Cut them off as they ask for info or financial help.
3. Spend more time with Real friendships and family– Be in touch with family, friends, and neighbors that you can share your thoughts and questions about the people that are contacting you. You may find, it may be the same for them. * You may want to visit: connect2affect.org to access how much social isolation and distancing are affecting your mental and physical health says AARP.
4. Do your homework– If someone claims they are from the IRS or maybe your bank, call to verify. Visit: aarp.org/scams to learn about the latest coronavirus scams.

It’s so sad things like this happen so often and hurt those so extremely vulnerable ! I’ve met a few elderly women and they enlightened me about the phony IRS scheme they encountered ! I had one of those phone calls myself !! They were told that they owed thousand of dollars in back taxes and would be arrested if they didn’t come up with the demanded amounts by one weeks time ! These women were neighbors of mine and gladly sent thousands of dollars to these awful predators. I just wish I had known prior to this. One moral to this story….If it doesn’t feel right, DO NOT DO IT !