Coronavirus Scams

We thought we just had to worry about phishing scams! But, whenever there is lots of news and alarm about a subject, the scams are sure to follow. It’s no different with Covid19, aka Coronavirus scams. Now is the time to be extra vigilant about the emails, texts, and phone calls that you receive.

Contents

Email – Coronavirus Scams:coronavirus scams

For emails, follow our standard guidelines.

  • Never open an unexpected attachment.
  • Never reply to the email if you have any questions about its legitimacy.
  • Never call the number that is listed on the email. Call or email the company with the contact information you already have.

You can forward the email to us too if you’d like our opinion about it.

Phone Call and Text Scams:

One common coronavirus scam is someone pretending to be your insurance company.

If anyone calls or texts you about your health insurance or other financial matter and says you need to provide your credit card FOR ANY REASON, confirm:

  • what company they are calling from
  • what the person’s name is
  • how you can get back in touch with them
  • you should also make a note of the number they are calling from
  • if they hang up rather than answering your questions, give yourself a pat on the back.

Next, call the company on a number you already have for them in your contact list. Ask them if this is a real problem. If it is not, report the scam. Provide them with all the information you have obtained.

Online Link Scams:coronavirus scams

Continue to be careful with online links as well. There will be folks out there that want to take advantage of a crisis.

Remember to stay well clear of shortened links unless you know without a doubt where that link will take you. That includes most bit.ly and owl.ly links. Here’s a recent article about short links.

Need Help?

Call or email us if you want a second opinion on any emails you’ve received. You can also take a screenshot of any text messages and send that to us as well.

And, of course, you can’t wash your hands too frequently! Stay safe and healthy.

Information about Geek For Hire, Inc.

I’ve created a Free Report to protect you from “phishing” scams. Click here to receive it!

Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has been providing computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past eighteen years. Angie’s List and the BBB rate Geek For Hire very highly.  You can find more on our website, or give us a call 303-618-0154. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) to the Denver / Boulder / Front Range area as well as remote service throughout North America.

We’ve been using Amazon Prime for the past few years.  We like the free and fast shipping.  With Prime, we have access to online streaming too. Prime is usually $119/year, but you can get a free 30-day trial by clicking on this link: Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.