Public Safety Officials Advise Caution as Scammers Prey on Uncertainty

March 18, 2020 — If you’re going online to shop for resources or seek information about COVID-19, the Wilsonville Police Department cautions that scammers may be eager to take advantage of consumer fears and uncertainty around the current global health crisis.

“Stay alert,” advises Wilsonville Police Chief Rob Wurpes. “Unfortunately this is a perfect set of circumstances for scammers: an anxious population, vulnerable people at highest risk, excessive demand for out-of-stock goods and disinformation on social media.”

Wurpes cautions people to keep computer protection up-to-date and to remain skeptical of websites and ads that aren’t from trusted sources. If you’re not sure, he says, don’t click. 

Ads for vaccinations or online treatments should be ignored. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website states that no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products are available to treat or cure COVID-19.

Other suggestions to avoid being scammed:

  • Be suspicious of emails from alleged public health experts. For public health news,  bookmark the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov), the World Health Organization (who.int) or the Oregon Health Authority (Oregon.gov/oha) websites.
  • Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If a caller wants cash, gift cards or a wire transfer, don’t do it.
  • Be suspicious of “investment” opportunities related to future COVID-19 cures, treatments, or vaccines.
  • Don’t click links or attachments in emails when you don’t know the sender.

The FTC and Food and Drug Administration (FTA) have already jointly issued several warning letters to sellers of unapproved and misbranded products that claim they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The fake products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver.

Visit ftc.gov/coronavirus for more information on COVID-19 scams and to subscribe to alerts from the FTC that help businesses and consumers remain aware of the latest scams.

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