Scammers use coronavirus panic to lure in victims

From emails and websites to a knock on the door, those who take advantage of fear, confusion and age to weasel money out of others have jumped on the coronavirus bandwagon.

 “The first thing you should know is that we continue to pay benefits,” said Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul.  “Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments, but that is not true. Don’t be fooled.”

He said an informational COVID-19 web page is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus.

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas also has put out scam alert, saying New Mexicans should continue never giving out personal information over the phone or by email, and never providing personal information to a stranger, even if they are very persuasive.

"We must protect the health and safety of New Mexican families during this emergency, and that includes protecting them from fraud and abuse when they are most vulnerable," Balderas said. "My office will prosecute anyone who breaks the law and takes advantage of vulnerable New Mexicans."

Watch for these scams:

COVID-19 HOTLINE SCAM: There are several phishing scams where the caller impersonates a representative from the COVID-19 Hotline or other medical entity. The scammer is asking for personal information like Social Security number and date of birth, telling callers they must have that information in order to release COVID-19 testing results.

GENERAL PHONE SCAMS: Be suspicious of anyone who uses threats or promises and who requires upfront payment, demands personal or financial information, or asks for payment with a gift card. Real legal notices are sent in writing and are not communicated over the phone. 

DOOR-TO-DOOR SCAMS: Groups or individuals sometimes go door-to-door claiming to be from the government or authorized by the government, falsely claiming to provide in-home testing for coronavirus for a fee. Don’t let them in, and don’t pay a dime. Call the police.  

COVID-19 CURE SCAMS: There is no FDA-approved cure for coronavirus. Any company or individual claiming that a product can prevent, diagnose, treat or cure coronavirus is breaking the law. There is no credible evidence that coronavirus can be cured by drinking bleach, drinking colloidal silver, taking herbal supplements or using other homeopathic remedies. When in doubt, consult a medical professional.

E-MAIL PHISHING SCAMS: Do not click on links unless you trust the source, and even then, be careful. Scammers often call, email or text consumers claiming to offer things like free vaccines or free testing kits. Scammer will also attempt to collect personal information by impersonating a government agency like the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the United Nations and others.

HUNTING SCAMS: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish reassures New Mexico hunters the results of the 2020-2021 big-game draw will be released by April 29, despite posts on social media stating otherwise. Links attached to such posts should not be opened.

FUNDRAISING SCAMS: Do some homework before donating to a coronavirus-related charity. Visit the Attorney General's Charities webpage (www.nmag.gov/charities.aspx) to search for legitimate charities, and never donate to anyone asking for cash, gift cards or for money to be sent via wire transfer. 

GENERAL DISINFORMATION SPREADING: Know how to spot disinformation. Many websites contain misleading or inflammatory information about coronavirus in order to drive up page views and make money from advertisers. Here is a list of websites that have been reported for posting or publishing false information about the coronavirus outbreak: www.newsguardtech.com/coronavirus-misinformation-tracking-center/. For legitimate information, visit the State of New Mexico's comprehensive resource site (newmexico.gov), the CDC's website (www.cdc.gov), or the World Health Organization's website (www.who.int).

Any New Mexican suspected of having fallen victim to price gouging or scamming activity can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at nmag.gov.

Elva K. Österreich may be reached at elva@lascrucesbulletin.com.