Whenever there is a health crisis, scammers quickly find ways to cheat people out of money. During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about COVID-19. Criminals are selling things that don’t work, charging money for things that are free, and stealing personal information.
A RED FLAG is a warning sign or signal that something might be a scam. Look out for these red flags to protect yourself, your family, and community from coronavirus scams.
Some hand sanitizers should not be used because they may:
CHECK YOUR HAND SANITIZER
On 9/1/20 the FDA advised consumers not to use over 170 different hand sanitizers made by more than 50 companies. Check the label on all your hand sanitizers. If the manufacturer’s name or product name is on this FDA list, stop using it immediately. Please view the FDA list for the latest information as it is updated often.
More Hand Sanitizer Safety Tips:
Scammers are offering to help with errands and running off with your money.
Scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal insurance numbers, personal information, and money. If anyone contacts you asking for your insurance number, Social Security number, or other personal information in exchange for something, it’s most likely a scam.
Older adults are especially vulnerable because scammers take advantage of their loneliness, ease of trust, savings, and challenges with technology. Senior Living explains the latest COVID-19 scams aimed at older adults and offers some ideas about how to prevent them, as well as tips for senior-friendly technology. The California’s Department of Aging has information on many issues faced by older Californians including warnings about scams. You can also sign up for Fraud Watch emails from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
Remember, government agencies will:
Check information from your health insurance company, Medi-Cal, or Medicare for signs of billing fraud. Review your explanation of benefits, claims statements, and summary notices for any services that you don’t recognize.
Here are a few more tips to prevent Medicare fraud.
There have been many reports of COVID-19 scams involving Social Security.
Visit the Social Security Administration’s website for updates about coronavirus scams.
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