Google blocks about 18 million coronavirus-related phishing emails per day. Here are some of the most common scams to be cautious of:
1. Fake coronavirus miracle cures
It may be tempting to believe that there is a potential cure out there already, but we recommend only taking advice from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or a healthcare professional. Anything claiming to have a cure for COVID-19 is a scam.
Since many are working and learning from home, tech issues are very common. There are several hackers who want to access your personal information and take possession of your network. To avoid a scam, make sure you visit a company’s “Contact Us” page for their official contact information or you can call the ITS Service Desk at 928–523–3335.
3. Government-issued online coronavirus tests
COVID-19 tests are in high demand and short supply. Scammers will attempt to sell you a fake test or steal your personal information. Contact your physician or local testing centers for more information about available tests near you.
4. Phony small business loan sites
Small businesses that are in financial hardship due to COVID-19 may apply for financial assistance. We encourage small businesses to only apply for government assistance at SBA.gov.
The Treasury Department urges everyone to contact the FBI if you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments. The emails are scams that contain links that steal your personal and financial information. For small business relief visit the Treasury Department website.
Hackers will send phishing emails claiming you’ve been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. You may receive links to fake websites that are used to infect your device with malware and steal your personal information.
7. Fake supplies to protect against COVID-19
Due to the limited supply in coronavirus-related products, scammers will attempt to sell products such as hand sanitizer, face masks, and disinfecting wipes. Once the scammer takes the money, they’ll leave you empty handed. We recommend you call your local grocery stores to see when they will restock and order from them.
8. Entertainment subscription scams
Scammers are taking advantage of many people spending more time indoors and subscribing to different forms of entertainment media. They may send emails asking people to update their TV subscription services payment details by clicking on a link which is then used to steal your credit card information.
You may receive calls, texts, and see websites asking for donations to help fund COVID-19 support. Verify all charities on the IRS tax exemption site.
With many people spending more time on the internet, cybercriminals will try to lure people into romance scams. If the person you started chatting with online asks you for money, it’s probably a scam.
