The Federal Trade Commission has been tracking the onset of pandemic-related schemes since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began, and released a report featuring information they’ve received from consumers. Lead Data Analyst Paul Witt notes in the FTC’s blog that reports range from emails/calls/texts pledging assistance in securing Economic Impact Payments to websites selling bogus protective equipment.
“If you’re getting calls, emails, or texts, or you’re seeing ads or offers online, keep a few things in mind: First, the government will never call out of the blue to ask for money or your personal information (like Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers),” Witt writes. “And second, anyone who tells you to pay by Western Union or Money Gram, or by putting money on a gift card, is a scammer. The government and legit businesses will never tell you to pay that way.”
The FTC’s analysts provide updates every weekday on FTC’s Explore Data homepage.
Highlights from recent reports include:
FTC also urges consumers to continue reporting scams to ftc.gov/complaint.