Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams

person on computer
scam alert on phone

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused fear and uncertainty for many people. With that, COVID-19 scams are on the rise. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from COVID-19 scams:

  • Never pay upfront to get money from the government. Watch for calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal information, an advance fee, or charge of any kind. The government will not call you to ask for personal information such as your bank account number, credit card number, Medicard number, or Social Security Number.
  • Do not give anyone access to your online banking information. If you receive a phone call, text, or e-mail from the government or any other company asking for your banking information you need to beware.
  • Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 visit their websites at cdc.gov or who.int.
  • Currently, there is no cure for the COVID-19 but that hasn’t stopped scammers from trying to sell vaccines. Watch out for individuals or businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19.
  • Be on the lookout for “safe” or “guaranteed investments. With the fall in markets, scammers are promising “no risk” investments. We suggest you contact a registered financial advisor who will be able to identify if it is a scam and who can recommend a course if action best suited for your personal financial situation.

If you think you have been scammed or if you have any questions, please contact us.