Reviewing the Latest Coronavirus Cure Scams
(Updated December 21, 2022) The sky is
not falling. So you should
not run in a panic and try every Coronavirus (or COVID-19) cure you hear about. With the Delta and Omicron virus variants still affecting millions, people are still searching for cures or preventatives.
Some of these cures sound scientific, while others sound just plain nuts. Either way, don't fall for these sensational cures because - as Yale Medical School says -
there are no cures for COVID-19!
As of today (September 2021) there are
several different vaccines which are proven to be effective against this virus. These are the only known treatments that work to keep the virus at bay. In fact, the
CDC just added COVID-10 shots to their list of routine vaccines for kids and adults.
Most common Coronavirus cure scams
Coronavirus cure scams are coming out of the woodwork. This is making the
Federal Trade Commission
(FTC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) work overtime.
The scammers are taking a lot of these agencies' much-needed attention away from finding cures to fighting crimes.
You can help shut down scammers. Recognizing there's a scam in front of you is the first step.
Offers of bogus cures
Disregard any online or telephone offers for vaccines unless it comes from a legitimate vaccination center. Other than the FDA approved vaccines, there are no pills, lotions, cures or treatments for COVID-19.
Scam product sales
Buyer beware!
Always know who you’re buying from. Only buy from established companies with good track records.
A bunch of shady online sellers have popped up. They say they have high-demand products like toilet paper, masks, and medical supplies. But if you order through them, you’ll never
get your shipment. After a week of scamming millions, they simply close up and open another scam site.
So before you buy a product and give them your personal information, check them out first. Research the seller by searching online. Google the company’s name, phone number, and email address. Add words to the search terms like “scam”, “review” or “complaint”. If they check out, pay only using a credit card and record your transaction.
Robocall offers
Robo-callers will try to sell you anything right now. They can be work-at-home schemes or sure-fire Coronavirus cures and treatments. Don’t fall for them. Just hang up, and do not press any numbers. The recording might say by pressing a number you’ll get a live representative. Some say press a number to be removed from their call list.
These are scams too! If you press any of the numbers they provide, you'll usually wind up getting even more robo-calls!
Email scams
Scammers have a traditional (and successful) way to get your personal information. Sometimes they’ll use familiar company names or pose as someone you spoke with once before. They use fake emails or texts to get you to enter a bank account number, Social Security number, or a login ID and password. They’ll use that information to steal your identity and your money.
Also beware if emails that say they’re from the CDC or FDA. The scammers are trying to make you click a link or open their email. Don't do it!
And don’t click on any links that your computer system warns against. These can contain potential computer viruses that take advantage of vulnerable people looking for help.
Finally, keep your computer software up to date. Set your cell phone software to automatically update, and use multi-level authentication.
Fake Charities
During any major crisis, scum seeps out of the earth. The Coronavirus pandemic is no different. Scammers will advantage of your kindness and generosity to the max. Be wary; many scumbags try tricking you into thinking they’re a legitimate charity by using familiar names. For instance,
The Children’s Cancer Fund of America
and
The Cancer Fund of America
are the t
wo most successful scams ever.
Do your research before donating. And don’t get pressured into giving. You can use the
FTC’s consumer information helper here
to help you avoid charity scams and research the charity you’re interested in.
Finally, when you donate, make sure to pay safely by credit card. Never donate by a gift card or wire transfer.
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