9 Tips to Help You Avoid These Coronavirus Scams

Sadly, even in difficult times there are always those who will look to take advantage of others. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception, and scammers are already at work. First, know that your electric cooperative will never call or visit your home to take payment or other personal information.

Here are more tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help you keep the scammers at bay:

1Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.

2Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified.

3Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit usa.gov for links to federal, state and local government agencies.

4Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies, when, in fact, they don’t.

5Don’t respond to texts and emails about relief checks from the government.

6Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other “experts” saying they have information about the virus. Visit cdc.gov or who.int for the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus.

7Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

8Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Visit fda.gov for the latest information on testing from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

9Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.