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Unsubstantiated COVID-19 treatment claims appear on social media platforms

Written on . Posted in Fraud Watch News.

FTC Consumer Alert

Since the pandemic began, the Federal Trade Commission has sent hundreds of cease and desist letters to companies that claimed their products and therapies can prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. The sellers promoted their products and services through a variety of outlets, including social media.

Social media platforms have played a major role in conveying information about how to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But just because the information is running on a platform you use doesn’t mean it’s accurate or truthful. Right now, no one can afford to take information at face value. Before you act on a message you’ve seen or before you share it, ask — and answer — these critical questions:

  • Who is the message from? Do I know them? Do I trust them? Am I positive they are who they say they are?
  • What do they want me to do? Just know something — or are they trying to get me to act in some way? Do they want me to buy something, download something, or give up personal info?
  • What evidence supports the message? Use some independent sources to fact-check it — or debunk it. Maybe talk to someone you trust. But always verify, using a few additional sources. Once you’ve done that, does the message still seem accurate? Approaching information by asking and answering these questions can help you sort out what’s helpful…and what’s a scam. So, for example, if the message is about a treatment or cure, you know where to go: Coronavirus.gov.

Bottom line: when you come across information, stop. Talk to someone else. Focus on whether the facts back up the information you’re hearing. Good, solid evidence will point you in the right direction. Then decide what you think and what you want to do with the message – pass it on, act on it, ignore it, or roll your eyes at it. And if you suspect a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov so we can shut the scammers down.


November 18, 2021
by Colleen Tressler
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Senior Services Warns Older Adults of Meals On Wheels Phone Scam

Written on . Posted in Fraud Watch News.

Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is warning local older adults of a scam targeting the organization's clients.Recipients of Senior Services' home-delivered meals program have reported being contacted by someone claiming to represent Meals on Wheels and requesting personal information. The scammer asks the individual to verify their home address, phone number, and the last four digits of their social security number. Targeted individuals have also reported being told they would stop receiving meals if they did not cooperate.

Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is alerting the public that these calls are fake and no information should be provided to the callers. An actual Senior Services employee would never call to ask for your social security number, nor would an actual Meals on Wheels representative. Additionally, clients are notified in writing of any changes in services.

The organization advises anyone who believes they have been a victim of this scam or would like to report another scam to file a complaint online or by phone:

https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) TTY: 1-866-653-4261

You can also contact the Norfolk Sheriff's Office's Consumer Protection Unit to file a report.

File a Fraud Report

 

Scammers are sending fake IRS emails about Economic Impact Payments

Written on . Posted in Fraud Watch News.

There’s a fake IRS email that keeps popping into people’s inboxes. It says that you can get a third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) if you click a link that lets you “access the form for your additional information” and “get help” with the application. But the link is a trick. If you click it, a scammer might steal your money and your personal information to commit identity theft. It’s yet another version of the classic government impersonator scam.

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Here are ways to avoid this scam:

  • Know that the government will never call, text, email, or contact you on social media saying you owe money, or to offer help getting a third Economic Impact Payment (EIP). If you get a message with a link from someone claiming to be from the IRS or another government agency, don’t click on it. It’s a scam. Scammers will often send fake links to websites or use bogus email addresses and phone numbers that seem to be from the government. Your best bet is to visit the IRS’s website directly for trustworthy information on EIP payments.
  • Say no to anyone who contacts you, claiming to be from a government agency and asking for personal or financial information, or for payment in cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Whether they contact you by phone, text, email, on social media, or show up in person, don’t share your Social Security, Medicare ID, driver’s license, bank account, or credit card numbers. And know that the government would never ask you to pay to get financial help.
  • Report government impersonators to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report makes a difference. Reports like yours help us investigate, bring law enforcement cases, and alert people about what frauds to be on the lookout for so they can protect themselves, their friends, and family.

Visit ftc.gov/imposters to find out more about government impersonators. And to learn more about the signs of a scam, what to do, and how to report it, check out ftc.gov/scams.

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