The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by an outbreak of coronavirus scams, which may target older Americans. John Waggoner and Andy Markowitz of AARP offer some suggestions for avoiding these scams:
-Avoid online offers for coronavirus cures or faster access to vaccines. They may not be legitimate.
-Be wary of emails, calls, and social media posts advertising free or government-ordered COVID-19 tests. Check the FDA website, http://www.fda.gov, for a list of approved tests and testing companies.
-Don't click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the email address looks like it is connected to a company or person you recognize. The same goes for text messages and unfamiliar websites.
-Don't share personal information such as Social Security, Medicare, and credit card numbers in response to an unsolicited call, text, or email.
-Be skeptical of fundraising calls or emails for COVID-19 victims or virus research, especially if the person calling or emailing tries pressuring you to act fast and then requests payment by prepaid debit cards or gift cards.
-Ignore phone calls or emails from strangers urging you to invest in a new stock from a company working on coronavirus-related products or services.
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