{"id":14112,"date":"2020-06-04T15:55:15","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T19:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/?p=14112"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:07:04","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T17:07:04","slug":"with-covid-19-scams-on-the-rise-here-are-some-tips-on-how-to-avoid-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2020\/06\/with-covid-19-scams-on-the-rise-here-are-some-tips-on-how-to-avoid-them\/","title":{"rendered":"With COVID-19 Scams on the Rise, Here are Some Tips on How to Avoid Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a> continues to affect our daily lives, fraud schemes to get people’s personal information are on the rise. \u00a0The Federal watchdogs are offering tips on how to identify and avoid these traps, and Orange County Government is also offering advice to local residents.<\/p>\n

According to the FBI, these scams include: fake emails from the Center for Disease Control; phishing emails advertising charities, financial relief, refunds, fake cures, and questionable vaccines and testing kits.<\/p>\n

Agents also warn about counterfeit treatments or equipment; bogus at-home test kits or treatments; fraudulent charities or investment opportunities; and companies offering high-demand supplies, such as surgical masks, or mobile apps supposedly designed to track the spread of the coronavirus.<\/p>\n

In all of these scams, payment is demanded upfront with the scammer pocketing the money. Scammers are also taking advantage of assistance checks, saying they need to confirm information to ensure the money is received properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we increase the opportunity for federal dollars through our Orange County CARES programs<\/a> and other programs, scammers will come out in full force,\u201d said Danny Banks, Orange County\u2019s Director of Public Safety. \u201cSome residents have already been called by \u2018the government\u2019 in order to process their information for benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Banks added: \u201cDuring these times, people are highly prone to give up their personal information, including bank account numbers, if they think they\u2019re getting money direct-deposited into their accounts. Unfortunately, this kind of fraud will remain rampant during this crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both federal and local agencies offer the following tips to protect against fraud:<\/p>\n