COVID-19 Scams Target Avon Lake Residents

AVON LAKE, OH — Two Avon Lake residents were targeted by COVID-19 scams this month, police said.

On Jan. 12, an Avon Lake resident received stimulus checks in the wrong name. Someone also used the woman's information to open a credit card in the wrong name.

On Jan. 15, an Avon Lake resident discovered somebody had filed for unemployment benefits using his personal information. The scammer asked for the benefits from the company the resident had retired from.

The IRS's criminal investigations division has seen a variety of scams and financial schemes deployed to rip off Ohioans. This latest wave of frauds is primarily targeting the second round of stimulus payments and the upcoming tax filing season.

"Criminals have used the Economic Impact Payments and the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to steal from and profit off of victims," said Bryant Jackson, special agent in charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. "Being aware of some of the scams can help you protect yourself from falling victim to fraud."

Here are some of the common scams ensnaring Ohioans:

• Text messages asking Ohioans to disclose bank information in order to receive a stimulus payment
• Phishing schemes utilizing emails, texts, letters and social media. These schemes use key words like "Coronavirus" "COVID-19" and "stimulus" and try to gain access to personal information and financial accounts.
• The sale of fake "at-home" COVID-19 test kits.
• Some scammers also sell "at-home" COVID-19 cures, vaccines and medical advice.
• Fake donation groups asking for funds for families or areas hurt by the virus.
• Fake opportunities to invest in companies developing COVID-19 vaccines.