Wednesday, April 15, 2020

COVID-19 BRINGS OUT THE FRAUDSTERS

Fake Cures, Scams, Phony Medications And Price Gouging: Predators Pounce During Coronavirus

LAPPL News Watch
April 14, 2020

Three weeks ago, Lorina’s cellphone rang. Seeing it was a local call, the 61-year-old Riverside resident picked up. A woman’s voice said she was working with Medicare, the national health insurance program, to distribute tests for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. All she needed, the woman said, was Lorina’s name, address and Social Security and Medicare information. “And stupid me, I gave it to her, Lorina, who asked that her last name not be used to protect her privacy, said in an interview.

So goes one of the many frauds local and federal authorities say have emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, feeding off the fear and confusion bred by the virus and its lack of a cure or vaccine. They range in perniciousness, from purveyors of unorthodox medical treatments who pivoted to hawking remedies for COVID-19, to sophisticated Medicare scammers, identity thieves and fraudsters who are soliciting investment in coronavirus treatments that don’t exist or aren’t recognized by government scientists.

2 comments:

Trey Rusk said...

OK folks. Never give out information about yourself or others to someone that calls you on the telephone. If you do then it's half your fault.

Trey Rusk said...

Here is another tip. Never give out personal information or allow people in your home that claim to be from a government entity without a warrant. The scammers are now going door to door to check your water for COVID-19. Don't open your door to them. In fact, if you don't know someone don't open your door. This is a scam to steal and rob and it's been reported in Texas City, Texas. Call 911 if they come to your door.