The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning people of scammers who are trying to take advantage of fears surrounding the coronavirus.
Reports are coming in from law enforcement agencies across the country of scammers taking advantage of the current COVID-19 crisis to prey on the public’s fears, offering everything from bank loans to coronavirus cures to home test kits.
The FTC offers these suggestions to protect yourself:
- Don’t give out your personal information to anyone, including bank/credit card info, dates of birth, social security, etc.
- Don’t wire anyone money or buy gift cards at the request of someone calling, e-mailing, etc.
- Don’t let anyone into your home, such as door-to-door salespeople, utility inspectors, etc.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Call police immediately should you have a question or if you see or hear anything suspicious.
Contact: 972-744-4800 (Police non-emergency)
Website: www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
