Who’s Making Money From The Coronavirus? Did You Also Get Scammed?

As COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to spread globally, be on the lookout for associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties and misinformation.

Examples of COVID-19 fraud

Consumers in other countries have shared these scenarios:

• Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
  • Only hospitals can perform the tests
  • No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results
    
• Consumers are purchasing large amounts of products and reselling them at higher prices
  • These products may be:
    • expired
    • of lower quality
    • dangerous to your health
      
• Fraudsters have been going door-to-door offering fake decontamination services
  
• The Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration in the United States have warned of companies selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
  • The United States has not approved any such products
  • The unapproved drugs threaten public health and violate federal laws
    
• Fraudsters posing as police have been imposing on-the-spot fines to consumers wearing masks
  • They claim that wearing a mask in public goes against a full-face veil law
  • It isn’t illegal to wear a mask for health reasons
    
• Fraudsters may urge you to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease
  
• Fraudsters are sending phishing, spear phishing and other malicious email campaigns that capitalize on the public’s fears about Covid-19
  
• Fraudsters are creating fraudulent and deceptive online ads
  • These ads may offer:
    • cleaning products
    • hand sanitizers
    • other items in high demand

How to protect yourself

• Beware of false or misleading information
• Find the latest information:
  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (Public Health Agency of Canada)
  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (World Health Organization)
    
• Contact your insurance provider to answer any health insurance questions
  
• Beware of high-priced or low-quality products
  
• Beware of unsolicited medical advisory emails with links or attachments
  • Fraudsters may spoof the information of government and health care organizations
    
• Beware of:
  • miracle cures
  • herbal remedies
  • other questionable offers, such as vaccinations, faster tests, etc.
    
• Beware of unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims or research
  • Don’t be pressured into making a donation
  • Verify that a charity is registered

If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online.