Published March 16, 2020
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to steal money or harvest personal information. Some of these emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, or fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments.
Tips to Help Keep Scammers at Bay
- Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. It could download a virus onto your computer or device. If you aren’t sure, send the email (or link) to the DOJ Security Team for us to analyze for you at DOJSecurity@mt.gov or use your DOJ Phishing Alert button.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying that they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Montana COVID Task Force Site (covid19.mt.gov).
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the Coronavirus–ask yourself: if there’s been a medical breakthrough, would you be hearing about it for the first time through an ad or sales pitch?
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
- Be alert to “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions, including on social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure coronavirus and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.
- Be wary of phishing schemes: “Phishing” is the fraudulent practice of “phishers” sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies/organizations/individuals in order to induce people to reveal information, such as passwords, bank accounts,credit card numbers and/or wire money/purchase gift cards. These emails usually contain at least one of the following red flags:
– Email Address Discrepancies
– Email Attachments/Suspicious Attachments/Links
– Personal Information Requests
– Assuming to Know You
– Lacking Sender or Company Information
– Bad Spelling/Grammar
– Threats
– Incorrect Salutation of Your Name
– Something Just Seems “Off”
Questions or Comments?
Email us at DOJSecurity@mt.gov.