In times of uncertainty, anxiety and crisis, it is a sad truth that fraudsters ramp up their efforts. But we are on to them. Federal and state governments are not only ramping up virus surveillance, they are on the look-out for those that would take advantage of the situation. Here are some examples to watch out for:
- Web links to supposedly helpful information about COVID-19 that install malicious code or lead to a scam site.
- Phone calls from persons pretending to be from the CDC, state or local health departments, Medicare, Medicaid or health providers.
- Advertisements for fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent COVID-19.
- Requests for financial assistance or charitable donations for persons affected by COVID-19.
- Hackers seeking to disrupt video-conferences and work-from-home scenarios.
Hoosiers are urged to be on alert for phishing scams or fraudulent emails, especially those pretending to be from the CDC or offering testing or vaccination, and verify that any charity seeking your assistance is legitimate before donating. Consumers who believe they may have been the victim of a scam can contact or file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.
For up-to-the-minute information on COVID-19 in Indiana, bookmark and subscribe to this web site maintained by the Indiana State Department of Health: www.in.gov/coronavirus/
