PEORIA, Ill. — Scammers and hackers are preying on fears about the coronavirus pandemic.
Jessica Tharp, with Peoria’s Better Business Bureau, says stimulus checks haven’t been mailed yet, but, scammers are already trying to get a hold of your money.
“We’ve already seen some reports of individuals throughout the United States receiving a fake check that look like their real check, but it’s not,” Tharp said.
The BBB confirms a new scam involves the recipient receiving a check that’s for an amount more than they expected. They’re then instructed to call a phone number after it is deposited, then told to wire some of the difference to an unknown location.
Tharp told WMBD’s Greg and Dan that scammers right now are taking full advantage of social distancing due to COVID-19.
“The number one thing that makes a scam really good is when someone is isolated. The second thing that makes a scam really effective is when there’s a financial burden along the way,” Tharp said.
Another tactic scammers are using now is sending out emails claiming they have an all-natural cure for the coronavirus.
“This is totally bogus. Because, right now there is no known cure for the virus,” Tharp said.
Scammers are also reportedly sending text messages that appear to be from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), saying that the individual is required to take an online coronavirus test.
“They’re after valid phone numbers. They’re after you to go to this website and install malware on your computer or device while you’re there,” Tharp said.
This is a “smishing” scam that’s similiar to one circulating about the 2020 census.
For more information from the BBB, click HERE.
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