Don’t get burned.
Job Scams
Crooks find potential victims using online search tools to look forresumes of job seekers.
Only later do you figure out the check is fake.
Method:Usually via email or a professional networking site.
Prevention:Real jobs don’t come at a cost (actual recruiters are paid by the business).
Census Scams
Impostors could pretend to be census takers.
Pitch: You could be asked for yourSocial Security numberor credit card information.
Method:A fake census worker shows up at your door.
Or you’re contacted by phone, mail or email.
Census takers carry government IDs.
For more information, visit2020census.gov.
Election Scams
Scammers send outfake adsas political action committees or pose as pollsters or campaign volunteers.
Method:Phone, email, social media posts the same ways that candidates contact you.
Prevention:Don’t donate to a candidate from an unsolicited pitch.
Reach out directly to those you support.
Pitch:To get the free health care, you just need to provide your Medicare number.
Method:This offer usually comes via phone or email.
Vans drive through neighborhoods, with peopleknocking on doors offering testsin return for Medicare numbers.
Prevention:Never give your Medicare number to anyone but a trusted medical professional.
Pitch:You’ll be told a package can’t be delivered until you confirm your credit card number.
Method:Crooks send out millions ofrandom emails.
Within the email is a link that, if opened, places malware on your system to harvest data.
Prevention: Don’t give information via a link.
Go to Amazon’s website directly.
COVID-19 Scams
You get an email offering acoronavirus vaccineor access to critical medical equipment.
Pitch:Anxiety’s high; you are urged to protect yourself.
Method:Some emails ask for credit card information, then bill you for products that never arrive.
Others include a link that will install malware to steal your passwords.
Prevention:Visit government health agency websites for updates.
Be wary of emails during a crisis.
There is no COVID-19 vaccine.
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