Coronavirus Scammers Are Out to Get You

Scammers are using coronavirus in an attempt to scam residents in the San Gabriel Valley.

By News Desk

Stimulus checks

Your government-issued Economic Impact Payment, known as a “stimulus check,” is not a typical check. Payment is made by direct deposit, from the IRS, into a known checking account.

• You do not have to fill out any forms or pay anything up front to get your stimulus check.
• There will be no fees or charges.
• You won’t be asked to give your Social Security number, bank account information or credit card number to anyone.
• Anyone calling or door knocking regarding your “stimulus check” is likely a criminal.

No commercially available in-home tests for COVID-19

There are currently no commercially available in-home tests for COVID-19 that consumers can purchase.

• Do not trust anyone who contacts you to offer to test you at home, or to sell you an in-home test.
• There is currently no approved vaccine, treatment or cure for COVID-19. Anyone attempting to sell you a vaccine, treatment or cure is attempting to scam you out of your money.

Emails, texts and calls

Be particularly aware of emails, texts and calls claiming to be from health or government officials.

• These calls may be an attempt to sell you a bogus treatment, deceptive safety product, a fake cure, or a false test.
• They may also be attempting to obtain your credit or personal information.
• Do not click on links to receive information or updates, as that might install malware of various kinds on your computer.

Prevention is key

The best way to deal with COVID-19 is prevention. Please follow guidelines to remain at home, wash your hands, and engage in social distancing.

• Be aware of anyone attempting to sell you cures, treatments, tests, or vaccines.
• Do not give anyone your personal information, and avoid any suspicious COVID-19 email or text links.

Anyone with information regarding a COVID-19 scam should call the local Police Department. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), download the P3 Tips mobile app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: City of Pasadena