Consumers Should Be On Alert For Coronavirus Scams, FTC Warns

The amount of disinformation surrounding the coronavirus outbreak is the perfect environment for scammers preying on confusion.

The coronavirus crisis unfolding in China and across the globe has been exacerbated by mass disinformation — confusion that scammers are attempting to turn into cash based on the panic of the general public. The Federal Trade Commission is now warning consumers to watch out for fake products and donation scams related to the epidemic.

The outbreak of the nCoV, commonly known as the coronavirus, has already killed over 1,000 people in China and infected nearly 50,000 people worldwide. But the World Health Organization reports that the impact of the illness has been made worse by a massive “infodemic,” which it defines as “an over-abundance of information — some accurate and some not — that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it.”

Much of that disinformation has taken place on social media, where conspiracy theorists have spread rumors of how to cure the illness (“Just drink bleach!”) and hypothesized about how the outbreak began.

This environment of confusion and lack of reliable information is the perfect setting for scammers preying on public fear. Now, the FTC has issued a warning to American consumers to beware of scams asking for their personal or financial information.

“Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus,” the Feb. 10 alert reads. “They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.”

While these websites and posts may purport to share information about nearby coronavirus outbreaks or donation campaigns for victims, many could be trying to steal money from consumers through malicious email attachments or fake crowdfunding efforts.

Cloud security company AppRiver discovered one such phishing campaign posing as an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that encourages readers to click on a link leading to coronavirus cases “around your city.” In reality, that link could harvest your email credentials and be used to take over your account.

The FTC’s tips for avoiding scams include not clicking on links from people you do not know, seeking out official information from the CDC and doing your homework when considering whether or not to donate to a charity website or crowdfunding campaign.

“Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation,” the warning reads. “If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.”

The Securities and Exchange Commission, which aims to protect investors, has also warned Americans to avoid online promotions asking them to consider investing in products or services that can prevent or cure the coronavirus. Many scammers are betting on investor interest in companies with potential business interests in fighting the coronavirus.

Consumers who come across any suspicious emails or scams can report them to the FTC here.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Return to Form

    My first security trade show was in 2021. At the time, I was awed by the sheer magnitude of the event and the spectacle of products on display. But this was the first major trade show coming out of the pandemic, and the only commentary I heard was how low the attendance was. Two representatives from one booth even spent the last morning playing catch in the aisle with their giveaway stress balls. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Live from ISC West: Day 1 Recap

    The first day of ISC West 2023 is in the books, and it’s safe to say that vendors have brought their A-game to Las Vegas. The booths of this year’s Live From partners—NAPCO Security, Alibi Security, Vistacom, RGB Spectrum, and DoorKing—were swamped all day long. Here’s a brief recap of just a few highlights from each partner’s presence at the show. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Turn on the AC, ISC West is Hot

    Nothing warm about the Las Vegas weather outside. It is cold, and it was raining after the opening day. No one seemed to care inside the convention center. The hall was packed with inquisitive security professionals. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Live From ISC West 2023: Day 1

    ISC West 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, has officially begun! Make sure to keep an eye on Security Today’s ISCW Live 2023 page, as well as our associated Twitter accounts—@SecurToday and @CampusSecur—for the latest updates from the show floor at the Venetian Expo. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua Technology is introducing a new line of expandable 2-wire IP video intercom solutions for the North America market. The New 2-wire IP video intercom is more advanced, cost effective, and designed to help businesses increase their security. 3

  • Videoloft Cloud Video Surveillance VSaaS Solution

    Videoloft Cloud Video Surveillance VSaaS Solution

    Videoloft focuses on transforming traditional professional surveillance systems into cloud connected solutions via the Videoloft Cloud Adapter. 3

  • LenelS2 BlueDiamond™ mobile app

    enelS2 has introduced its Indoor Location subscription-based service for businesses and other organizations using LenelS2’s BlueDiamond™ mobile app version 2.1.8 for smartphones. 3