The Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, in partnership with the National Sheriff’s Association, is warning residents of scammers who are taking advantage of the fears surrounding the Coronavirus.
Currently, there are multiple scams circulating throughout Arizona and the nation. Residents should not let anyone into their home claiming to be offering COVID-19 related cleaning services. These individuals are often using this offer as a way to enter into victim’s homes to burglarize them.
The FDA released a warning about anyone claiming to be selling at-home test kits. Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. There are no approved Covid-19 home testing kits available, so if you one of these alleged Covid-19 test kits, contact your local law enforcement agency. You can also report it to FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov. For more information visit, FDA.gov.
There has also been an increase in phishing emails asking people for donations or to verify personal information. Do not click on links or open attachments from unrecognized senders. The government WILL NOT ask for your personal information via email. In addition, don’t respond to any emails or text messages concerning government checks. The government will not ask you to pay anything upfront to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing. The government will also not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
In addition, do not click on links that appear to be coming from the CDC. Those links may contain malware or ransomware that will infect your computer.
Please reach out to your local law enforcement agency if you believe you are a victim of any scam.