NY Officials Warn Of Coronavirus Email Scam

NEW YORK — Worried about the spread of COVID-19? Here's another reason to be scared: The New York State Division of Consumer Protection is warning about criminals taking advantage of your fears.

Be on the lookout, officials said: Opportunistic con artists are using fake emails that contain harmful links designed to steal your personal information.

“Unscrupulous scammers are taking advantage of the news of the novel coronavirus by trying to lure people into unknowingly providing their personal information,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado in an announcement about the scams. “Taking the necessary precaution to avoid coronavirus scams can help protect your hard-earned money and your identity.”

The scam goes like this: you get an email that claims to have information on novel coronavirus updates. It includes an interactive link where you can ostensibly look up the numbers of cases near you and more.

The links, however, are harmful and redirect to web pages that steal your information instead of providing you with important updates, state officials said.

This isn't the only COVID-19 scam going around, Consumer Protection officials said.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued an Investor Alert to warn investors about investment frauds involving claims that a company’s products or services will be used to help stop the coronavirus outbreak.

To protect yourself from COVID-19 scams, and similar scams that typically arise with a major global event, here are tips from NY Consumer Protection officials:

• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. It could download a virus onto your computer or device. Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date.
• Be aware of emails coming from unknown senders. Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts claiming to have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in New York State, visit the New York State Department of Health website.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the novel 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?
• Be aware of emails asking for donations. Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding Don’t let anyone rush you into donating. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
• Be alert to “investment opportunities.” The 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.

For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or visit the DCP website.

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