Expand / Collapse search
☰

Scammers prey on COVID-19 fears

By
Updated  July 3, 2020 3:33pm CDT
News
FOX 26 Houston

Scammers prey on the vulnerable during COVID-19 crisis

FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan gives you a look at the wide array of scams that use the fear of COVID-19 to steal from others.

HOUSTON - A Houston couple says they were robbed of jewelry by men posing as utility workers who said their water was contaminated with COVID-19.

Cher Comier says two men posing as city water workers said they needed to clean her water for COVID-19.  Having washed her hands wearing her jewelry, they convinced her to let them clean her Rolex watch and wedding rings. Then they ran with them, she said.

Cormier reported it to the Constable, but no leads yet.

And that's not the only COVID-19 scam to watch out for.  The FBI is warning you to watch for fake antibody tests. The scammers are really looking to steal your name, birthdate, social security number, and medical insurance, says cybersecurity expert Adam Levin, founder of CyberScout and Credit.com.

LIVE: Interactive Coronavirus case data and map

"What they're trying to do is get you to give up as much information about yourself as possible. They want you to agree to take a test that may not be FDA sanctioned. You may even end up with fake results," said Levin.

The FBI says don't fall for tests advertised on social media or email.  FDA verified tests are listed on the FDA website.

The Federal Trade Commission is also warning about scammers posing as contact tracers. Real tracers are tracking who has been in contact with someone with the virus.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS & WEATHER UPDATES DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 APPS

"If they call you and ask you anything other than to confirm your birthdate, and give you information other than perhaps ask you what your symptoms are, hang up immediately," said Levin. 

A fake contact tracer will ask you for financial information or to download something that's really malware.  You can verify a contact tracer by calling your local health department.
Levin recommends the following steps to protect yourself from cyber crimes: use two-factor authentication, use long complicated passwords, update security on your devices, back up your data, freeze your credit, and check your credit and medical bills for fraud.

If you've been scammed, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI, or report it on www.ic3.gov.