Postal Service Provides Tips to Avoid COVID-19 Scammers

HYANNIS – As the coronavirus response continues, scammers have identified the public’s concern as a target for scams and fraud.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is providing tips for people to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams and frauds.

These tips include:

• Being aware of charity scams

Only contribute to established organizations.

• Do not click on links in emails

Never click on links in emails from sources you do not know, especially those that claim to be from the CDC or WHO.

• There currently is no cure or treatment

Be wary of offers for vaccines, pills, potions lotions, or other products that claim to cure or treat COVID-19.

• Do not give out financial information

Do not give your financial information or personal information to anyone you do not know and do not trust.

• Resist pressure tactics

Do not be pressured into making immediate financial decisions.

• Know who you can trust

Consult with a trusted friend or family member before making a payment.

The most recent scams to be aware of are:

• Testing Scams

Fake at-home test kits are being sold or going door to door performing fake tests for money.

• Supply Scams

Creating fake shops, websites, social media account, and email addresses selling all medical/cleaning supplies in high demand when in fact they do not have any of these supplies and just take the victims money.

• Provider Scams

Individuals posing by email or phone pretending to be a doctor and hospital that treated a friend or relative for COVID-19 and are demanding payment for the treatment.

• App Scams

Creating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware on a persons phone that will compromise the device and personal information.

• Investment Scams

Offering investments into companies claiming that the products or services of the companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19 and the stock will dramatically increase.

To report any incidents of scams or mail fraud to the Inspection Service, visit uspis.gov or call 1 877 876 2455.