While concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic continue to rise, there has been a spike in scams. Fraudulent firms aim to capitalize on the crisis to reach people’s bank accounts or confidential personal details. Sourced: James Bell
There is no blame on scammers, and nothing – not even a global health epidemic – is beyond bounds. They sell bogus Coronavirus vaccines, undetected remedies, and faulty test kits at home. It is therefore not shocking that scammers leverage uncertainty about payments for the economic effect. Yet it’s always frustrating.
In the next few weeks, most people who qualify for a check will receive it directly deposited by the IRS. However, like specifics of how and when payments are received, some scammers may start using officially looked-up fake checks to steal money and trick people. Here is some information to prevent fake scams that could soon occur.
Smishing scams: The new attempt at robbery.
The word “smishing” is a relatively new concept. It combines SMS letters with phishing, as it is directly linked to scams you can receive on your smartphone via an email. You may be prompted to click on a connection to provide your personal details, such as your social security or credit card number.
What would you do to avoid these scams? If a text is sent from an unknown number or if it is not from anyone on your contacts list, automatically delete it and not click any links or response.
Local governments can submit alerts in times of crisis to your mobile, but those are general information notices that would never ask you to reveal your privacy. That red flag for smishing scams is when there are blatant errors or incorrect grammar in the text. A strict rule of thumb is to remove the text from your smartphone or to conduct an internet search to learn more about the sender, said John from Mimy.
What are you able to do with robocalls?
Robocalls are another common scam that many people fall victim to. Such phone calls are created automatically and usually contain a recorded message advising the individual to return the call or face a fine or arrest threat.
Since taxpayer fraud is so widespread, the IRS provides scam alerts on its website to inform consumers of what they are looking for.
You can receive a pandemic robocall, contact your local hospital to register or call a local government branch phone number. Such calls may sound intimidating, and some terrified people may sadly call back and hand over their personal details or financial records.
If you get a suspicious phone call, block the number and do not return the call. You can also contact your miami health care fraud lawyer.
A few recent examples of Robocall Coronavirus scams provide information about research sites and how medical or sanitary supplies are collected. Some robocalls may encourage you to contact the caller to see how you get medical benefits or how to get coronavirus checked if you are a recipient of Medicare.
Finally, be mindful of any telephone calls that cause you to call for help to pay your mortgage. In conjunction with any mortgage assistance you may need, the lender will contact you directly — either via US mail, email, or a phone call made by a real individual.
Avoid scams with phishing.
Phishing scams are one of the most popular types of fraud, and in crisis times like a COVID-19 pandemic, they seem to be more prevalent. These scams occur when criminals try to get their victims to expose their data. This may include passwords on your website or financial data, such as your bank or credit card number.
They can also try to get your social security number, which might seriously endanger your identity. Once the data thieves obtain your information, they can easily penetrate other aspects of their life, including your email, social media, and money.
A phishing email may seem genuine and may even include official logos like those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the IRS, or other major government bodies. To order to protect you and others, inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as soon as possible of any phishing scams.
This department is committed to monitoring and detecting scammers. It is possible to comment directly on the FTC website. You may also report scams to the Office of the Procurator General or contact your miami health care fraud lawyer. The more people identify these issues, the more organizations will fight them to protect everyone.
Other Frauds That You Should Be Aware Of
According to sources, paper checks – for citizens without direct deposit – will begin to arrive as early as May, so beware of scams.
If you’re given an official check for more than you planned – say, $3,000 – your next call is a scammer.
You will be told to keep your $1,200 payment and send cash, gift cards, and money transfers to return all the rest. It’s a scam that leaves your bank with money.
Official messages are sent by scammers, including password postcards for online “entry” or “checking” your payment or direct deposit information. The IRS does not contact you for personal information or bank account collection. This is a fraud.
Apart from online scams, criminals have also been targeting homes and residences actively during the pandemic. A lot of individuals that had second homes in different cities and had to lock them down and move to someplace else that was safer and more convenient have reported an increase in incidents of thefts, break-ins and burglaries. According to Scrofano robbery attorneys, they have been dealing with multiple cases of robberies in different parts of the city ever since the pandemic started.
About the Expert
With over fifteen years of experience, James S. Bell P.C. has forged a name as a leading United States trial attorney. Most notably, Bell obtained the largest verdict in the United States in 2017 and the ninth (9th) largest verdict in United States history against JPMorgan Chase Bank for in excess of $6,000,000,000 (6 Billion Dollars).
Bell has become a recognized legal thought leader through projects such as co-authoring an article titled “Piercing the Corporate Veil” regarding property division in divorce and features in publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur and has been granted recognitions such as Best Personal Injury Attorney and Litigator of the Week.
Bell is in admission with the Bar in the States of Texas, California, and New York, and obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from Southern Methodist University. He continues to serve in a wide breadth of cases, including but not limited to healthcare disputes; Qui Tam litigation; white-collar criminal defense; catastrophic injury; ERISA; business fraud; bankruptcy; professional negligence/malpractice; oil & gas; complex securities disputes; divorce; child custody; and real estate fraud cases.
