What are the most common COVID-19 identity theft scams?

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is the unauthorized use of someone else's personal information, such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number, to commit fraud or other illegal activities. This can include using stolen credit card information to make purchases, opening new accounts in someone else's name, or even using stolen medical information to obtain medical services.

COVID-19 Identity Theft Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to steal personal and financial information. Some of the most common COVID-19 identity theft scams include:

• Phishing emails and texts:

  Scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be from legitimate organizations, such as the IRS or a healthcare provider, to trick people into revealing personal and financial information.

• Fake COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs:

  Scammers are offering fake COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs, which can include stealing personal information or even infecting people with the virus.

• Unsolicited phone calls and robocalls:

  Scammers are making unsolicited phone calls and robocalls pretending to be from government agencies or healthcare providers, asking for personal and financial information.

• Fake charity scams:

  Scammers are pretending to be from legitimate charities, asking for donations to help with COVID-19 relief efforts, but instead using the money for personal gain.

How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Identity Theft Scams

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19 identity theft scams:

• Be cautious of unsolicited emails and texts:

  Do not click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails and texts, as they may contain malware or viruses.

• Verify the authenticity of emails and texts:

  Check the sender's email address and the content of the email or text to ensure it is legitimate.

• Use strong passwords:

  Use strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts, and do not reuse passwords.

• Keep your software up to date:

  Keep your operating system, web browser, and other software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.

• Monitor your accounts:

  Regularly monitor your bank statements and credit reports to detect any suspicious activity.

• Report scams:

  Report any suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Conclusion

Identity theft is a serious concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. By being aware of the most common COVID-19 identity theft scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to these scams. Remember to be cautious of unsolicited emails and texts, verify the authenticity of emails and texts, use strong passwords, keep your software up to date, monitor your accounts, and report scams.