Lobbies are closed until further notice.

The agency cites three of the most prevalent scams and how to avoid them:

1. Fake CDC emails

Watch out for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other organizations offering information about the virus.

Don’t click links or open attachments you do not recognize. Fraudsters can use links in emails to deliver malware to your computer to steal personal information or to lock your computer and demand payment.

Be wary of websites and apps claiming to track COVID-19 cases worldwide. Criminals are using malicious websites to infect and lock devices until they receive payment.

2. Phishing emails

Beware phishing emails asking you to verify your personal information to receive an economic stimulus check from the government. Government agencies are not sending unsolicited emails seeking your private information to send you money.

Phishing emails may also claim to be related to charitable contributions, general financial relief, airline carrier refunds, fake cures and vaccines, and fake testing kits.

3. Counterfeit treatments or equipment

Be cautious of anyone selling products that claim to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19. Be alert to counterfeit products such as sanitizing products and personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirator masks, goggles, full-face shields, protective gowns, and gloves.

Visit cdc.gov/niosh for more information about unapproved or counterfeit PPE. Information also is available from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The FBI advises several ways to practice good “cyber hygiene” and security measures:

• Don’t open attachments or click links within emails from senders you don't recognize.
• Don’t provide your username, password, date of birth, social security number, financial data, or other personal information in response to an email or robocall.
• Verify web addresses of legitimate websites and manually type them into your browser.
• Check for misspellings or wrong domains within a link (i.e., an address that should end in .gov ends in .com instead).

BBB Alert: Beware of COVID-19 Scams

Testing kits. Whether it’s someone going door-to-door offering a COVID-19 testing kit or someone selling them online, don’t fall for this con. Currently, real testing kits cannot be purchased or performed at home.

Miracle cures, vaccines, or supplements. When you see an advertisement promoting a miracle cure, vaccine, or supplement to help you fight the coronavirus, just ignore it. False claims like this should be reported to BBB at bbb.org/adtruth.

Mask sales. While many people are on the hunt for medical-grade masks, scammers are posting fake websites. While the site may look legitimate, consumers are purchasing masks only to never receive the product or have their financial information compromised. Always check with BBB at bbb.org before making any online purchase.

Government checks. If you receive a phone call from a “government representative” saying they need your social security number, banking account number, or other personal information in order to give your relief check, hang up! Anytime funds like this are distributed, the government will NEVER call and ask for personal information.

Errand assistance. Be wary of strangers who offer to run errands for you. While there are legitimate groups who are offering assistance to those that are in need, there are scammers who are looking to take your prescription medications or your money. Do your research and check references first.

Free gift cards. Some businesses are providing discounts during this time, but if you see an offer for a free gift card, proceed with caution. These offers are often “too good to be true” and lead you to a phishing site that asks for personal information. Always contact the company directly to see if any promotion is real.

Charity and giving. If you are looking to donate, make sure you are donating to legitimate charities. You can verify the trustworthiness of a charity by visiting give.org for free reports to see if the charity meets BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability. If you are giving to a crowdfunding cause, it’s best to give to someone you personally know and to be wary of vague requests.

Tracking apps. With COVID-19 spreading rapidly, you may want to know if the virus has spread to your area. While there are legitimate coronavirus “map apps” available, there are also ones that download malware and spyware onto your phone instead.

For more tips and information, visit bbb.org/coronavirus.

If you need assistance, please call us immediately at (270)796-8500.