Coronavirus Frauds & Scams; a pathfinder.

Coronavirus Frauds & Scams

The Federal Depository Library Program has a presentation about Coronavirus Frauds and Scams. If you want to watch it, it is available on their website. I recommend watching it, but I've also pulled out some tips and put them here. The Federal Trade Commission is devoted to protecting America's citizens with access to information about these scams. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a site "Protecting Your Finances during the Coronavirus Pandemic", which has information about about unemployment, leave, food benefits, and much more. It also has information resources for Parents & Kids, Older Adults, and Service Members.


If you have heard about Financial Aid payments being suspended during the Coronavirus pandemic, that is true. The CARES Act set this up. To apply for this program, please go to the Federal Student Aid webpage. Do not give any money to someone who will handle the paperwork for you.


Giving to charity is a good thing, but many people take advantage of our eagerness to help in times of crisis. Don't give money to people who are scaring you into doing it NOW. Scammers create a sense of urgency in order to prevent you that time to think about it, particularly to think "does this sound wrong?" Charity Navigator is a good source to research charities, but the Federal Trade Commission "Research Charity Page" has a list of other organizations that research charities with a link to the IRS website to find out if your donation would be tax deductible.


If you are separated from an older relative who might need help right now, use the United States' Administration of Aging Care Locator to find a reputable source for eldercare; Elder Rights, Housing, Transportation and how to find a caregiver. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a webpage devoted to protecting Older Adults from Fraud in their Money Smart Guide, which is available in English and Spanish.


Be cautious! Misinformation about Coronavirus Cures will be spread by people of ill will and people who aren't doing their research. So make sure you know where the information is coming from; is it a reputable source? Does the website have a "last updated" link? Is there a place to contact the website provider to complain?


Be wary of people who call you, claiming to be relatives. A new scam is someone calling you, claiming to be in a hospital with Coronavirus, and you need to send them money to help.

The Center for Disease Control has their latest information about the virus available.


You can play FTC Scam bingo with your friends here, but please do report any scams to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.


Anyone who wants to assist you in getting help from the government will not ask for money until the service has been provided. You should know how much money the person wants before you let her do any work for you, but NEVER give money for a service until the service has been provided. Anyone who tells you that they need money up front to help you navigate the system to access your benefits is probably not interested in helping you, but in defrauding you of what is yours. The IRS will not call you to help you receive your Coronavirus Stimulus check.