From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have known seniors face an increased risk of serious illness and death from Covid-19. However, in addition to the increased risk of illness, there are added social effects and hardships that isolated seniors face while we continue to social distance. Social isolation for seniors often leads to them being targeted by, and becoming victims of, Covid-19 scams.
E-mail and telemarketing scams are not new. However, during the pandemic, scammers are taking advantage of the fact that seniors are more isolated than ever and are using the opportunity to prey on this vulnerable population. Back in March, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a consumer alert warning Illinois residents of five Covid-19 scams which include cyber scams, telephone and text scams, and counterfeit products, to name a few. Some Covid-19 scams include people offering “coronavirus test kits” to older adults to steal their financial information, advertising fake drugs and vaccines for Covid-19, scammers posing as the IRS requesting bank information to release stimulus checks, and the classic charity scam where fake charities are set up to steal money from unassuming, sympathetic people. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) received reports that WhatsApp and Facebook users are receiving messages from what appear to be big companies offering money, food coupons and other support.
These scams are meant to prey on vulnerable seniors during what is already an extremely difficult time. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid you or your loved one becoming a victim of one of these scams, including:
1. If you receive an email, do not click on any link where you do not recognize the sender.
2. Do not provide personal information, including bank accounts or social security numbers over the phone unless you are certain you are speaking with a trusted organization.
3. Ignore anyone contacting you claiming to have a cure or vaccine for Covid-19, or an at-home test with instant results. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus if you are not sure about information you are receiving. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Be cautious of people calling you to request your Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security number. Neither Medicare, Medicaid, the IRS nor the Social Security Administration will call to threaten you, demand immediate payment or just request your information. You can always call the agency directly if you are unsure.
5. In general, if you have a gut feeling that a call or an e-mail seems dubious, do not provide any personal information, and do not click on the link.
During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to be vigilant when providing personal information to others or accepting what appears to be “legitimate” services or benefits. Following these tips will help you avoid falling victim to a scam.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, The Law Office of Kate Curler is prepared to help you. Our attorneys often help families with these issues and have a wide network of consumer rights attorneys and connections at federal and state agencies to help. There are also several ways you can report a scam including through the Illinois Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
If you have questions about Covid-19 scams or need further assistance, please contact Attorney Lauren Kaplan at lkaplan@curlerlaw.com or (312) 952-1077 for a free consultation.