It has been over a year since COVID-19 made its first appearance in our area. In response to the virus, we have adapted to new daily routines to help stay safe and healthy: keep your distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands. A few months ago, several vaccines became available, and the scammers of the world saw an opportunity. Because of these quick-thinking scammers, our new daily routines should also include keeping a watchful eye on our bank accounts and personal information and making smart decision when it comes to sharing personal information.  

“Fraudsters are always looking to take advantage of significant world events. The COVID-19 pandemic and its corresponding rapid digital acceleration brought about by stay-at-home orders is a global event unrivaled in the online age,” said Shai Cohen, senior vice president of Global Fraud Solutions at TransUnion.  

According to Colleen Tressler, the scammers’ newest attempt to swindle your personal information involves sending phony vaccine surveys. Ms. Tressler is with the FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education and in her article, she states that these opportunistic scammers are sending emails and text messages with links to surveys. These surveys appear to be legitimate, but it is all an elaborate ruse to steal your personal data. Her advice to avoid being scammed is simple:  

• Do not click on any links or open attachments.  
• Do not call or use the number in the email or text.  
• Do not give out your banking account, credit card, or personal information.  
• Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

In the same way that we are vigilant in protecting our health, we must also be vigilant in protecting our financial and personal information. Just like viruses, scammers are out there looking for a weak spot to capitalize on – inoculate yourself against these scammers by keeping your information private.  

Gift Cards: One size fits all for scammers

We have all been there, unsure of what to give someone for a gift, so you take the easy way out and purchase a gift card. Gift cards are convenient, easy to find, come in all sort of brands and denominations, and everyone loves receiving them – everyone including scammers.

Did you know that scammers do not even need to have the actual card to steal the money from it? They only need the numbers on the back of the card to access the funds. Scammers will ask you to send a picture of the back of the card and that is all it takes.

Bridget Small, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Division of Consumer and Business Education discusses fake prize scams in her article. Scammers tempt victims, claiming they won a prize and as soon as the winner pays a fee, the prize can be delivered. Scammers may ask for payment through a gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Of course, there was never a prize to win, so as soon as payment is made the scammers disappear. Small also says that it is important to discuss warning signs of scams with family and friends to ensure they are not victimized.

If you are not enticed by the prospect of a prize, perhaps you will be tempted by love. In his article, Caught in a Bad Romance, Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist with the FTC, warns against romance scams. These may start out as innocently as a chat sent through an app, but can quickly escalate to requests for money, an empty bank account, and a broken heart. Romance scammers will ask for gift cards along with other types of payment that should cause you to be extra cautious.

There are lots of scammers out there and recognizing a scam early on can make a big difference in your bank account. Requesting payment via a gift card is a big cue that you may be involved in a scam. No reputable business, government agency, or individual is going to request payment with a gift card.