SRI Federal Credit Union wants to bring awareness of attempts by fraudsters to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams. There have been reports of:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
Fraudsters will likely continue to use new methods to exploit COVID-19 worldwide. Below are some guidelines to follow:
- Hang up on robocalls - Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits - There are currently no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for COVID-19.
- Fact-check - Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources such as websites listed below to verify the information.
- Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government -The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations - If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
- Do not give your personal information, passwords or usernames to anyone - As a reminder, SRI FCU will never ask you to disclose or verify personal information, including passwords via e-mail or text.
What to do if you see transactions that you did not make?
- Contact the merchant immediately to discuss the charge and request reimbursement.
If the merchant will not provide a refund:
- Close your card: Call 800-986-3669 or stop by the branch to request that your card be closed immediately so no further transactions can be charged. A dispute form will also be provided for you to complete and submit.
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home through a number of platforms. Go to:
Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
Report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov
If it's a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
