COLUMBUS – Nothing brings out con artists like a good old-fashioned crisis.
The Ohio Department of Health call center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding COVID-19 at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Click here for the latest information from the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Like a tornado or a flood, the COVID-19 outbreak has created opportunities for telephone and internet scammers, identity thieves and other fraudsters looking to make a quick buck off anxious Americans, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost warns.
“COVID-19 is not the only thing we have to protect ourselves against. Thieves and crooks prey on fear and uncertainty. Ohioans need to inoculate themselves against an outbreak of scams with knowledge and good practices,” he said.
How to avoid coronavirus scams:
-Watch out for emails claiming to be from the CDC or other expert sources. Legitimate information is available for free on the CDC’s website.
-Ignore online advertisements promoting cures for the coronavirus.
-Be cautious of anyone going door to door offering coronavirus testing or temperature readings Never let strangers into your home.
-Research nonprofit organizations and crowdfunding campaigns and avoid groups that pressure you into donating and never donate via cash, gift cards, wire transfer or prepaid money card.
-Beware of emails and other attempts to “phish” for your personal, financial and medical information.
-When online, avoid clicking on unknown links or pop-ups and never download any suspicious email attachment.
-Source: Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Yost says consumers should beware of standard scamming tactics, like “phishing,” where a con artist sends an email from what appears to be a bank or government agency in an attempt to get personal or financial information.
But he also warns against more virus-specific schemes, such as online ads for cures. There are no vaccines, pills, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure the disease, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Be cautious of anyone going door to door offering coronavirus testing or temperature readings and requesting personal information, such as what was reported in Newark this week. These people may attempt to obtain personal information or gain entry to your home to commit a crime.
Call law enforcement immediately if you see a suspicious person, Yost advises.