There are plenty of people trying to make money with coronavirus anxiety right now, though charging $ 79 for a bottle of Purell, selling fake face masks on Etsy, or saying that you can treat COVID-19 with essential oils.
There are also a handful of online scams out there – phishing scams, malware scams, fraudulent retrieval campaigns – that you need to know.
As Julia Glum explains at Money.com, coronavirus-related scams can include any or all of the following: emails asking you to donate money to the World Health Organization ( does not solicit donations), emails asking you to download a program that can help you with coronavirus research, emails that provide new COVID-19 information when you open an attachment or provide a password, and so on.
Basically, if you receive unusual coronavirus-related email – especially if the email includes attachments, instructions for clicking the link and / or logging in, or a request for money – be very careful.
The The FTC compile a list of tips for preventing fraud:
- Don't click links from sources you don't know. They can download viruses from your computer or device.
- Watch the emails that claim to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts claiming to know about the virus. For the latest Coronavirus information, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).
- Ignore the online vaccine offers. There are currently no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other products or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) – online or in stores.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through donating organizations or refund sites. Do not let anyone force you to make a donation. If someone is looking for donations in cash, gift card, or wiring money, don't do it.
Remember: doing good digital hygiene during coronavirus outbreaks is (almost) as important as remembering to wash your hands.
