How To Protect Yourself And Community From Corona Virus Frauds
The Light with Raymond Tyler
“The scammers follow the headlines” states Ms. Monica Vaca. Ms. Vaca has built her career exposing scams of all kinds and helping people after they have been scammed.
Monica Vaca is Associate Director for the Division of Consumer Response and Operations at The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
“What’s in the headlines right now is Covid 19. Scammers are following that lead as well.” Ms. Vaca warns. Since the early days of the pandemic Ms. Vaca has seen and fielded complaints about “treatments” , “cures, and “tests” that have all been fraudulent and separated people from their cash.
According to Vaca, the problems are not just with fake cures and treatments but with so many people in turmoil over Covid and isolation the scams have expanded to include shopping, making money, education, debt, travel, romance and more.
Ms. Vaca explains her department has fielded over one hundred and nine thousand complaints of fraud related to Corona Virus. “At a time when no one can afford to lose any money,” Ms. Vaca explains “We have data that shows people have lost over one hundred and forty six million dollars.”
The scams topping the list these days are online shopping frauds. People “buying” personal protection equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) that never come. Also fake job opportunities like “mystery shopper” or “car wrap advertising.” Vaca also warns of “too great to be true” work from home opportunities. Ms. Vaca stated that many times they will even send fake “checks” so that it seems like it’s legit but the process will leave you with an empty bank account. The sources may seem like an actual government office or school.
As this Covid crisis continues”The Light” in Shore Local will continue to discuss health and wellness (both physical and mental.) We will continue to share important information on how to protect yourself, your family and now your finances.
Please share this information with family and friends. Scammers are counting on the desperation and pain of the public at large during these times. So please tell your loved ones, before they answer a text or email with a link to a job or information about debt relief or stimulus money? Please check it out and verify through FTC.Gov and if you’ve been a victim or need to file a complaint go to FTC.GOV/complaints.
Also keep in mind that any legitimate cures, treaments and tests will be on national and local news with information on how to follow up. If anyone is sending you a text with a weird (often mispelled link) or email regarding tests, stimulus money, PPE or other Covid related “help,” it is likely to be a scam and should be vetted by The FTC.
Very soon I will be interviewing Ms. Vaca. Please send your questions to RaymondTyler2018@Gmail.com.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
