October 22nd, 2020 | Miller Advisors
Look out for these warning signs that often accompany coronavirus scams.
During this time of uncertainty, fraudsters are taking advantage of global headlines in an attempt to get people to click malicious links, volunteer personal information, download malicious software or fall for other scams.
Read on to learn about – and avoid – scams that have sprung up in the wake of COVID-19 and the CARES Act.
Don’t fall for economic impact payment scams
The recent CARES Act includes a provision for economic impact payments – relief checks to help individuals and families during this challenging time. A number of scams have emerged that attempt to trick individuals into providing personal information under the guise of registering for these payments.
If you receive calls, emails or other communications related to your payment, do not give out any personal information. If the sender claims to be a reputable entity like the IRS or Treasury Department, do an internet search and review information straight from their official website.
Common red flags to watch out for:
Sidestep other types of email fraud
COVID-19-related email scams have become the largest collection of attacks. Scammers have posed as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the IRS, the FDIC and other government agencies to obtain information.
Common red flags to watch out for:
Boost your Zoom security
With an increase in Zoom use across the globe, concerns about the virtual meeting platform’s security have surfaced. While Zoom has addressed these vulnerabilities, you can add an extra layer of safety by taking the following steps:
Report the incident
If you’ve fallen victim to a coronavirus-related scam, contact law enforcement and let your financial advisor know. They can help walk you through the next steps to take.
For more tips and information about the latest scams, visit the Federal Communications Commission website.
Article Sources: Raymond James, April 15, 2020
Photo Source: iStock