Scam artists look for the right time and circumstances to wield the harm they do. These fraudsters devise scams using COVID-19 news.

Many strike during crises, choosing to exploit others when people are fearful or otherwise vulnerable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been no exception.

Scammers have been busy during the past few months, seeking to take advantage of the public’s preoccupation with the virus.

Since the pandemic began, the scam-related complaints fielded by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office have largely focused on familiar frauds. But they’ve are being adapted to reflect the times.

One caller, for example, filed a complaint about what amounted to a twist on a recurring ploy – the grandparent scam – stating that his “grandchild” needed money because he had been delayed in Philadelphia because of the pandemic. 

senior scams

Similarly, another Ohioan reported receiving a fraudulent social-media message indicating that a “friend,” stuck in Italy due to the pandemic, needed Google Play gift cards for a sick relative in the United States. 

With the development of COVID-19 vaccines, scammers have likely geared up to spread related ploys.

For example, consumers could see scammers impersonating distributors, providers or local health department claiming to need personal information such as a Social Security number to get on a list to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Other scammers could pretend to be able to help consumers jump to the front of the line to get a vaccine, but ask for advanced payment to secure their place in line. These communications could come through email, phone call, postal mail, text message or even through social media accounts. Do not fall for these scams.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office recently launched a new multi-media outreach initiative to increase Ohioans’ awareness of COVID-19 scams, fraud, and identity theft and how they can protect themselves.

You can view the videos on the Ohio Attorney General’s Office website at https://www.ohioprotects.org/learn-about-fraud. Here are direct links: 

Tips to stay safe during COVID-19 include:

  • If you receive a call and don’t recognize the number, DON’T ANSWER! Let the caller leave a message and research the information to see if it’s legitimate.
  • Know that scammers can “spoof” caller ID by pretending to call from your area code or another trusted-looking number such as the CDC, IRS, Social Security or other government officials. 
  • Watch out for emails claiming to be from expert sources with special advice or info about COVID-19. Legitimate information is available for free at www.cdc.gov and www.coronavirus.ohio.gov. 
  • Ignore advertisements promoting “cures” for the coronavirus.
  • Beware of vaccine-related scams in which scammers may ask for money to move you to the top of the list to receive a vaccine or ask for personal information.  
  • Beware of emails, texts and other attempts to “phish” for your personal, financial or medical information. Some may even pretend to be a local COVID-19 contact tracer.

Research nonprofit organizations and crowdfunding campaigns before donating during this time of need.

Knowing and following these five important “R’s” will generally help you protect yourself and your wallet: 

Research businesses and charities with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Ask family members and friends for recommendations. 

Remember that scammers’ preferred payment methods are wire transfers, gift cards and prepaid money cards. 

Relax! Don’t feel pressured to act immediately, even if someone threatens that you will lose money or be arrested. 

Report scams to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515. 

Realize that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office receives upwards of 24,000 consumer complaints annually. Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

Written by Danielle Murphy, Consumer Educator Consumer Protection, Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Our goal with each Looking Forward Our Way podcast episode is to provide you a safe place to understand an issue and discover the resources available to you.  Expert guests from our local community join us each month to delve into topics that affect Central Ohioans 50+, such as employment, financial and legal issues, technology usage, healthy living, housing, transportation, and fun “discovery” ideas.  Sharing their knowledge and expertise, guests generously get us on track, moving in the right direction.

Often, our guests have more to add to the discussion after a podcast is completed.  We welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation with them, review issues, and highlight solutions, through this blog site.

We hope this will provide you with additional opportunities to delve into subjects of interest and further assist your life.