As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is advising you to be on the alert for fraudsters who want to profit from fear, uncertainties and misinformation.
Some example of coronavirus-associated scams that have surfaced in other countries include:
- Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale — only public health units and hospitals can perform the tests, and no other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results;
- Consumers purchasing large amounts of products and reselling them at higher price — the products may be dangerous to your health, of lower quality, or expired;
- Fraudsters going door-to-door offering fake decontamination services;
- Companies selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease;
- Fraudsters posing as police imposing on-the-spot fines to people wearing masks, claiming it's against the full-face veil law — it isn't illegal to wear a mask for health reasons;
- Fraudsters may urge you to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease;
- Fraudsters are sending phishing, spear phishing and other malicious email campaigns that capitalize on the public's fears about COVID-19;
- Fraudsters are creating fraudulent and deceptive online ads that may offer items in high demand, such as hand sanitizers and cleaning products.
You can protect yourself keeping up to date on the latest information provided on government websites and by contacting your insurance provider to answer any health insurance questions. Be wary of unsolicited medical advisory emails with links or attachments, and fraudsters who may spoof the information of government and health-care organizations.
Keep in mind, there are no miracle cures or remedies for COVID-19.
Also, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centres urges you not to respond or donate to unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims or research. You can verify that a charity is registered here.
If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online.
