Top 10 Scams of 2020

6 scams to avoid in 2020

Job Fraud

Crooks find potential victims using online search tools to look for resumes of job seekers using an email or a professional job site.

You may be contacted about what sounds like a job of a lifetime and even given a check to cover expenses. They will ask you to wire money back or send gift cards to cover fees. These are all red flags, no job will require or ask you to do this.

Census Scams

Imposters pretend to be census takers in person, over the phone, or email.  They are asking for your name, social security number, date of birth, and sometimes your credit card number.

The Census Bureau will never ask for your social security number, solicit a donation, or threaten you with arrest if you do not cooperate. Always be weary of who may be an imposter.

Election Scams

Scammers send out fake ads as political action groups or pose as pollsters or campaign volunteers. They will pretend to be legitimate fundraisers to trick you into giving out your credit card information, sending gift cards, or wire transfers.  

If you want to donate reach out directly to your candidate.

Medicare Scams

These people offer a free DNA swab test for cancer or a free medical device or services all you need to do is give them your Medicare number. This offer usually comes via the phone or email.  People have even reported vans going out to neighborhoods, with people knocking on doors offering free tests. 

Never give out your Medicare number to anyone but a medical professional.

Amazon Phishing

They pretend to be Amazon representatives and tell you that your order will not be delivered to you until you confirm your credit card number.  They send out millions of random emails and within the email is a link that, if opened, places malware on your computer.  

Do not give out information on the phone or email, go directly to Amazon’s website and access your account information there. Amazon does a great job of updating your package delivery in real time on their website.

COVID 19 Scams

The scammers send an email offering a coronavirus vaccine or access to critical medical equipment.  You are urged to protect yourself and your family by using their products.  They ask for your credit card information and bill you for stuff you never receive. Others include a link that will install malware to steel your passwords.

There is not a vaccine for the coronavirus yet. For more information about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.

Always be alert to any potential scams or fraudsters looking to steal your information. If you ever have a question or concern, feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help before your information is stolen.

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This post was written by Lisa Wyman