The coronavirus crisis has spawned a ripe environment for scammers.
Just as certain conditions feed the burgeoning virus, the isolation, economic hardship and home-bound workforce that characterize the ongoing pandemic have animated con artists.
Cyber-chiselers already have targeted Connecticut residents who are due to receive federal stimulus checks over the next several weeks, state officials say.
"Scam artists will use this public health emergency and much-needed relief as a way to profit off of the public's fears and vulnerabilities," Attorney General William Tong said. "If you receive a text message, email or phone call from someone claiming to be from the federal government, do not fall for it."
Distribution of individual payments of up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples and $500 for each child is to begin over the next three weeks. Federal authorities say the vast majority of people do not need to take any action; the Internal Revenue Service will automatically send payments to those eligible.
"Remember, the government will never charge you in order for you to receive a check," state Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said. "If you receive an email, call, or text asking you for personal information or money in exchange for your stimulus check, it's a scam."
State residents also have complained about scammers offering bogus stimulus packages to local businesses, Tong said.
Other rip-off schemes that have surfaced amid the ongoing crisis include:
Bogus government grants
Swindlers are sending text messages, making phone calls or posting promises on social media of special COVID-19 government grants, officials say.
"You click the link and are taken to what seems to be an official website asking you to enter your personal information and/or banking details," the Better Business Bureau warned. "It's 'necessary' to verify your identity and process your grant."
"No matter what the message, don't click!" a BBB notice said. "In addition to taking your money, these sites also can download malware to your device and use your information for identity theft."
COVID-19 test scams
Disguised as federal officials, scammers text their targets with a demand to take a "mandatory online" test for the virus, the BBB warned in another notice. There is no online test for the coronavirus, and those who click on the lure expose themselves to malware and identity theft.
Work-at-home scams
Workers using unsecured network connections often are more vulnerable to phishing and bogus tech support offers. Also, scammers know that many people are out of work, so they offer jobs that are too good to be true to gather the gold of Social Security and bank account numbers and other personal financial information.
Researchers have found that social isolation is a key risk factor for scams, as is financial vulnerability, according to Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust.
"Add increased time spent online, and coronavirus creates the 'perfect storm' for scammers, because all three of these factors have increased dramatically," Trumpower said.
'Malicious websites'
The FBI is warning about emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations offering information on the virus.
"Fraudsters can use links in emails to deliver malware to your computer to steal personal information or to lock your computer and demand payment," the FBI warned. "Be wary of websites and apps claiming to track COVID-19 cases worldwide. Criminals are using malicious websites to infect and lock devices until payment is received."
The agency also warned people to be cautious of anyone selling products that claim to prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19.
Information on the disease is available at www.cdc.gov and www.coronavirus.gov. The Better Business Bureau has details on coronavirus-related rip-off schemes at www.bbb.org/council/coronavirus The state attorney general offers coronavirus cyber safety tips at https://bit.ly/33YuUzq,
Anyone who receives a suspicious hyperlink, email, phone call or social media post, is asked to call Tong's office at 860-808-5000.
