May 12, 2020 / Meryl Roberts

Beware of COVID-19 Scams

COVID-19 Scams

We all know about the Nigerian prince scams, the IRS phone scams, and the email phishing scams. Now, bad players are taking advantage of the public with COVID-19 scams. This pandemic has brought about feelings of stress, grief, anxiety and worry. Unfortunately, that creates the best environment for scammers to take advantage of you. So you won’t get drowned with such negativity and you won’t easily get swayed, you may want to consume products like that high-strength CBD oil.

Here are a few tips to be aware of during this time:

  • Robocalls: beware of incoming calls offering you COVID-19 masks, protective equipment and home testing kits. They may ask you to give them your Medicare or private health Insurance number as well as personal information in exchange for the promise that you will receive a package in the mail. Do not rely on the caller ID you see and do not give out any information.
  • Medical bill fraud: check your medical bills before you pay them. Always match them with the explanation of benefits (EOB) from your provider. Make sure you are not billed for services you did not receive or don’t look familiar. If you think something is not right, check with your health care provider and insurance company before you make a payment.
  • Donations: fraudulent organizations are claiming to collect donations for food shelves, helping children, feeding the homeless, etc. Do not donate in cash, gift cards or by wiring funds to charities you are not familiar with. Always research the charity before donating.
  • Email and text phishing: do not click on emailed links or return text messages that promising you COVID-19 updates. If you receive an email you aren’t expecting, but that looks safe, try to verify the email by calling the sender.
  • Testing sites: beware of fake COVID-19 testing sites. If you wish to be tested, consult your physician directly.

We help many clients avoid these types of fraud. If in doubt, give us a call and forward the item in question. We’d be happy to take a look for you.

Be well and stay safe!

 

The foregoing content reflects the opinions of White Oaks Wealth Advisors and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns.

Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

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Investment advisory services provided by White Oaks Wealth Advisors, Inc. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.