Attorneys General across the country are issuing warnings to their state residents to be on high-alert for a surge in scams and frauds related to the unprecedented fear and confusion that has been brought about by the Coronavirus.
Right now, in this unprecedented situation, it would be fair to say that scammers across the whole range are out looking to steal your money or your information – or both!
If you’ve been wanting to “do something to help,“ consider preparing yourself to help others and yourself avoid becoming a victim of a scam in these emotion-charged times.
Trusted resources like state Consumer Protection Divisions, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and industry groups like the American Bankers Association are all posting lists of common scams with a Coronavirus twist. Spend some time on reputable sites familiarizing yourself with these scams so you will be in a position to recognize them when you see them and steer clear.
Coronavirus-specific scams could involve offers selling cures, virus tests or hard-to-find products. Also, there have been spikes in fake charities requesting donations, alarming calls demanding money (supposedly for a family member who has the virus), emails with malware links, teleconference hijacking and even scammers pretending to be bankers threatening people about making their mortgage payments. The scams and frauds are all across-the-board.
Right now, the best course is to be extra-cautious and skeptical. Feel free to be suspicious about stories from strangers. Slow everything down and check-check-check with trusted authorities like your bank, local police or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400.
If we can help you here at Canton Co-operative Bank, please call us at 781-828-8811. As always, we will do everything in our power to protect you from becoming the victim of a scam.
Canton Co-operative Bank has been Canton’s hometown bank since 1891 and is rated “5-Star for Strength & Stability” as “one of the strongest banks in the country,” according to bank-rating service BauerFinancial of Coral Gables, Florida. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). The phone number is 781-828-8811. Canton Co-operative Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #721437