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Sanitizing Against COVID-19 Scams
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some
tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
• Urgent Language: Scammers will make the situation seem urgent and dire, trying to
force you to act quickly.
o What You Can Do: Never let anyone pressure you into making decisions. Take
your time and talk to someone you trust first.
• Robocalls: Scammers may call pretending to be from the government, charities, health
care agencies, etc. Never provide personal information like your date of birth, social
security number, financial data, or other personal information in response to an email or
robocall.
o What You Can Do: You can sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry
(www.donotcall.gov) or Nomorobo (www.nomorobo.com) to stop unwanted
telemarketing calls.
• Phishing Emails: Scammers will send out phishing emails asking you to give personal
information or money. These emails may claim to be about the government stimulus,
airline ticket refunds, or fake tests. Never click on links or provide personal information
over email.
o What You Can Do: Always call individuals or companies directly to verify emails
before providing information or sending money.
• COVID-19 Tracking Apps: These apps are often fraudulent and can be used to steal
your information or control your phone.
o What You Can Do: Johns Hopkins University and Medicine
(www.coronavirus.jhu.edu) has created an interactive map to track COVID-19
incidents, deaths, and recoveries.
• Information from “Experts”: Be cautious of phone calls and emails claiming to be from
the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and other experts.
o What You Can Do: For up to date information, you can visit the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health
Organization (www.who.int).
• Promises of a Vaccine or Cure: Be cautious of anyone selling products that claim to
prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19. Scammers are selling counterfeit products
such as sanitizer, facemasks, gloves, etc. Similarly, scammers may try to get you to
invest in research for a vaccine promising high rewards.
o What You Can Do: While there is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, the World
Health Organization recommends the following things to help stop the virus:
wash your hands often and thoroughly; cough / sneeze into your elbow; don’t
touch your face; keep a safe distance from others; stay home as much as
possible.
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• Impossible to Find Products: Online scammers are selling hard to find products far
above market value. Others will take your money and never send the products at all.
o What You Can Do: Always read the reviews of sellers before buying from them.
Search for the company’s name online, using key words like ‘scam’ or ‘fraud’.
• Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries: Scammers are offering COVID-19 testing to
Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal information. Never provide personal
information in an unsolicited phone call.
o What You Can Do: If you are in need of COVID-19 testing, you should call your
primary care doctor or local urgent care.
• Threats to Suspend Your Social Security Benefits: Scammers are targeting Social
Security beneficiaries, claiming that their benefits will be suspended due to office
closures. Scammers use this fear to solicit personal information and money from the
beneficiaries.
o What You Can Do: Remember that the Social Security Administration will never
promise to suspend, cut off, or increase your benefits in exchange for a fee. If
you are concerned about your benefits, contact the Social Security
Administration directly at www.ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213.
• At Your Door: Never open your door to someone you do not know. Scammers may
come to your door offering a COVID-19 home test, to disinfect your home, or do other
home repairs.
o What You Can Do: Keep your neighbors informed of any door-to-door scams you
have seen in your neighborhood.
• Asking for Donations: Scammers will pull on your heartstrings asking for money for
illegitimate or non-existent charities.
o What You Can Do: If you are considering making a donation, do your research at
BBB Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org/), Charity Watch
(www.charitywatch.org/), or Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org/).
Reporting Scams and Other Forms of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Adult Protective Services (Reports may be made anonymously)
• Montgomery County: 240-777-3000
• Other Counties in Maryland: 1-800-332-6347
• Washington, DC: 202-541-3950
• Northern Virginia: 703-324-7450
Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov
Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline: 410-528-8662
Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline: 1-800-552-9963
Washington, DC - COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline: 202-252-7022