Apr 1 2020
Beware of Scammers and Covid 19
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus
The Piedmont Police Department is reminding residents that scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. Now more than ever, it is important to be aware of possible scams associated with COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
The Federal Trade Commission has started a “Raise Awareness” campaign detailing some of the more common scams that have come out since COVID-19 has started. The FTC has valuable information about COVID-19 scams, please share this with your family and friends.
Here are some of the more common tips by the FTC:
- Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.
- Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
- Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
If you have a question or something doesn’t seem right, call the Police Department at (510) 420-3000.
If someone wants a donation in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, DON’T DO IT!!!
We want to remind everyone to never open or click on links from unrecognized emails or provide any personal information over the phone. Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors.
Piedmont Police Department
