In the United States, a new type of fraud associated with COVID-19: how to protect yourself

Authorities have identified a new type of scam that is widespread in the United States - criminals send text messages falsely notifying their victims that they have allegedly been in contact with a person infected with the coronavirus, writes Press herald.

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Senator Susan Collins’s maine office in Maine warned residents of a recently discovered scam, in which criminals send text messages to potential victims, notifying people that they were allegedly at risk of contracting coronavirus by making contact with a sick person. These messages are a lie and have nothing to do with official information about the sick.

The message recommends that a person isolate themselves and pass testing. Although the text says that by clicking on the link, a person will be able to get more information, authorities warn: in fact, scammers are trying to access the victim’s valuable personal data, an official statement released May 5 said.

The text message scam is the latest in a series of coronavirus-related phone, text and email scams.

On the subject: A new type of coronavirus fraud is rampant in the US: how to protect yourself

Scammers act to deceive or intimidate consumers in the exchange of personal information, demand a fee supposedly for receiving federal financial assistance in connection with the coronavirus (in fact, there should be no commission), try to sell a non-existent vaccine from COVID-19, or ask to transfer donations to a fake charity.

“Stopping scams that deprive Americans of their personal information and hard-earned money is one of my top priorities,” Collins said in a press release. “It’s disgusting that criminals are using the crisis for their own benefit.” I urge the public to be wary of phone calls, text messages or emails from unknown sources that require you to take immediate action.”

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Government aid in connection with coronavirus: Americans are warned about fraud

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