Submitted
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is affecting people, businesses and communities around the world. While this is bad news for Canadians, it’s great news for scammers who are cashing in on our anxiety about the disease. Better Business Bureau reminds everyone to remain vigilant to avoid scams related to the virus, use necessary, common sense precautions when traveling, and find reliable sources to stay informed about what to do as the virus spreads. Look out for fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other coronavirus cons.
Potential Scams:
1. Fraudulent Health Products: Scammers are sending messages or creating websites with information about amazing products, including convincing testimonials or a conspiracy theory backstory. Currently there are no approved vaccines or drugs to prevent coronavirus, although treatments are in development. Con artists are also impersonating the World Health Organization in phishing emails. These messages claim to have news about the disease and prompt readers to download malicious software.
Be wary of personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
2. Fake Charities: Scam emails try to con people into donating to fake fundraising efforts, claiming to be a government program to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance suggests that donors consider experienced relief organizations. New charities may have the best of intentions, but may face great challenges in fulfilling promises in another country. Also, see if the charity has existing connections to be able to deliver aid to impacted areas and clearly describes the intended use of funds.
3. Face Mask Con: As the coronavirus outbreak worsens, BBB.org/ScamTracker has received numerous reports about scam websites claiming to sell face masks online. As you strive to keep yourself and loved ones healthy, be sure to watch out for phony ecommerce sites and other scams. Unfortunately, phony online stores abound - especially when an item is in high demand.
• Consider your risk. Research has shown that those most at risk for being severely affected by the virus are people over 65, people with a compromised immune system, or those with underlying health conditions. If you are in the higher risk group, you may want to cancel your travel plans, even if this means losing out on money you’ve already spent.
• Research travel companies’ cancellation policies before you buy. If you were hoping to travel somewhere later this year, be sure to find out what kind of cancellation policy is available for the tickets you would like to purchase. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, cruise companies and airline cancellation policies are rapidly changing. Make sure you understand whether or not you can cancel and get your money back if the pandemic continues long-term.
• Consider buying travel insurance but read the small print. Travel insurance is a great way to receive a full refund if you need to cancel a trip, but not all policies have the same coverage. Read the fine print of any plan you are considering before you buy. Most policies won’t cover a cancellation simply because you are now afraid to go. Purchasing a policy that allows you to “cancel for any reason” is the best way to ensure coverage in this rapidly evolving situation.
• Think twice before buying a bargain ticket. As the coronavirus restricts travel for many, flight and cruise deals are popping up everywhere. If you want to take advantage of these deals, keep in mind that, realistically, any destination could become compromised as the virus continues to spread and you may need to cancel or reschedule your travel plans. This could result in you paying additional fees, resulting in your trip being less of a bargain.
• Watch out for scams. In addition, scammers are never below taking advantage of a crisis, so make sure any deals you consider are legitimate before paying or offering up your personal information.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.
For more coronavirus information, visit BBB.org/coronavirus.
• Consider your risk. Research has shown that those most at risk for being severely affected by the virus are people over 65, people with a compromised immune system, or those with underlying health conditions. If you are in the higher risk group, you may want to cancel your travel plans, even if this means losing out on money you’ve already spent.
• Research travel companies’ cancellation policies before you buy. If you were hoping to travel somewhere later this year, be sure to find out what kind of cancellation policy is available for the tickets you would like to purchase. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, cruise companies and airline cancellation policies are rapidly changing. Make sure you understand whether or not you can cancel and get your money back if the pandemic continues long-term.
• Consider buying travel insurance but read the small print. Travel insurance is a great way to receive a full refund if you need to cancel a trip, but not all policies have the same coverage. Read the fine print of any plan you are considering before you buy. Most policies won’t cover a cancellation simply because you are now afraid to go. Purchasing a policy that allows you to “cancel for any reason” is the best way to ensure coverage in this rapidly evolving situation.
• Think twice before buying a bargain ticket. As the coronavirus restricts travel for many, flight and cruise deals are popping up everywhere. If you want to take advantage of these deals, keep in mind that, realistically, any destination could become compromised as the virus continues to spread and you may need to cancel or reschedule your travel plans. This could result in you paying additional fees, resulting in your trip being less of a bargain.
• Watch out for scams. In addition, scammers are never below taking advantage of a crisis, so make sure any deals you consider are legitimate before paying or offering up your personal information.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.
For more coronavirus information, visit BBB.org/coronavirus.
