COVID-19: Remain calm but alert
It’s here. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know that the strand of coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19 has made its way to the United States.
But try not to panic — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are responding to and monitoring the outbreak across the country and internationally.
While a new virus is bad news, it’s just another opportunity for scammers who want to cash in on our anxiety about the disease.
Better Business Bureau warns the public to look out for fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other coronavirus cons.
How the Scam Works:
You come across claims of preventions or a “cure” on social media, in an email, or a website. The message or website contains a lot of information about this fantastic product, including convincing testimonials or a conspiracy theory backstory.
For example, one scam email claims that the government has discovered a vaccine but is keeping it secret for “security reasons.” You figure it can’t hurt to give the medicine a try, so you get out your credit card.
Don’t do it!
Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines or drugs to prevent coronavirus, although treatments are in development. No approved vaccines, drugs, or products specifically for coronavirus can be purchased online or in stores.
Your primary source of information on statistics and prevention methods should always be CDC.gov.
Peddling quack medicines isn’t the only way scammers are trying to cash in on coronavirus fears. Con artists are impersonating the CDC and the World Health Organization in phishing emails.
These messages claim to have news about the disease and prompt readers to download malicious software.
Another scam email tries to con people into donating to a fake fundraising effort, claiming to be a government program to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
Spot a Coronavirus Con by watching out for these red flags:
Don’t panic. Do your research: Be skeptical of alarmist and conspiracy theory claims and don’t rush into buying anything that seems too good — or crazy — to be true.
Always double-check the information you see online with official news sources and the CDC.
Be wary of personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases.
No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
It’s “all-natural.” Just because it’s natural does not mean it’s good for you. All- natural does not mean the same thing as safe.
Check with your doctor: If the claim still has you tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.
For More Information: Stay up to date about coronavirus scams with the Federal Trade Commission on its website at ftc.gov and check out BBB’s alert about counterfeit face masks at bbb.org.
Learn more about the disease on the CDC’s website at cdc.gov and learn more about the FDA’s progress in developing a treatment for coronavirus at fda.gov.
BBB is here to help you, so if you have any questions or information about scams you have seen, please let us know, and we’d be happy to help! For more information on businesses, scams, and complaints, you can call 208-342-4649 or find us online at www.bbb.org!
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About BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has helped people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust.
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