Robocalls among tactics scammers use during coronavirus pandemic

Scammers are trying to take advantage of your fears to get at your money.

We are telling you what to look out for to prevent falling victim.

The scammer’s goal is to separate you from your money, and, unfortunately, some of them are good at it. The use of robocalls during the coronavirus pandemic is just one of the latest tactics.

“For only $159, our highly trained technicians will do a full air duct cleaning and sanitation to make sure the air you breath is free of bacteria,” as heard from an automated robocall scam.

Experts say unless an infected person has been living inside your home’s air ducts, this offer won’t prevent the spread of coronavirus. Plus, it’s a virus, not a bacteria.

YouMail, a call-screening app, says there’s been a surge in robocall messages concerning COVID-19. Don’t be fooled if someone offers you a vaccine. There is no vaccine, and there won’t be for at least a year.

YouMail also says there’s also been a rip-off robocall promoting an Amazon.com work-from-home scam that claims to pay $400 a day. There is no such job.

And don’t get sucked in online. Consumer affairs reports there’s an increase in emails from fake public health agencies asking for donations.

These are just a few examples. Remember, never send gift cards, wire money or open an email attachment from people you don’t know. And, if the phone call asks for personal information, just hang up. Take your time at home to read up on how these scammers operate so you can protect yourself.

MORE:

• FBI Urges Vigilance During COVID-19 Pandemic
• U.S. Department of Justice – COVID-19
• FTC – Avoid coronavirus scams
• Attorney general – Scammers Use COVID-19 Stimulus Package to Target Floridians