PROTECT YOURSELF BY STAYING VIGILANT AND AWARE
Unfortunately, during times of uncertainty such as this, fraudulent scammers prey upon people's vulnerabilities in order to take advantage of them and profit financially. In the past, scams have classically been targeted at the older generations; however, recently there has been an uptick in the younger demographic being targeted - especially through social media outlets.
Be Aware
- Do not respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. The government will not reach out to you directly for your account information. Stimulus Check direct deposits are only done if you have provided the information to the government on past tax returns or recently through the "Get My Payment" application. If the government does not have your account information, you will receive a paper check in the mail.
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations. Never give your bank account information in exchange for a vaccine.
- Be wary of ads for test kits. The FDA just announced approval for one home test kit, which requires a doctor’s order. But most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA and are not necessarily accurate. If someone asks for money in exchange for a kit, politely pass!
- Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. And don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, and always make sure the organization is reputable and legitimate.
- Please remember that Space Age will never call you asking for your account or social security number. We already have that information on file and will only ask you to provide personal information for verification purposes after you have initiated the preliminary call.
*Resource: FTC website
To read sample text and to hear sample recordings of the current scams out there, visit the FCC website. Being aware and informed is the best defense against these predators.
