Watch out for coronavirus-related scams

February 11, 2020

Scammers watch and read the current news, so be aware of scams that may circulate related to one of the top international news stories: the coronavirus. We know the coronavirus is real, but what people are posting online may be fabricated and even lead to you getting a virus of a much different sort: a computer virus.

Published reports are warning consumers to have their guard up when going online to receive information, products and services supposedly designed to help protect you from the coronavirus. For example, USA Today reported that computer hackers are sending spam emails with links that are designed to infect consumers’ computers with malicious software, some of which may steal personal information stored on their devices. According to one expert, some scams claim to provide an outbreak update about local coronavirus cases, access to a phony coronavirus vaccine or pretend to provide virus prevention tips as a PDF attachment. Ohioans should avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments from unofficial websites supposedly related to the coronavirus. In addition, the Toledo Better Business Bureau has tips related to potential scams involving the selling of face masks, which are currently in high demand. Legitimate information about the coronavirus is available for free from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).