COVID-19 Scams: Be On The Lookout
COVID-19 Scams: Be On The Lookout
Believe it or not, there are some sick puppies out there looking to make a fast buck off the COVID crisis. A bad time for honest people is usually a good time for scammers -- and this has proven to be no exception. So let’s take a look at three seriously messed up COVID-19 scams. Be on the lookout for people trying to separate you from your hard-earned money!
Stimulus Scams
Unemployment claims in the U.S. have hit record highs in recent weeks as non-essential businesses shut down and furlough their employees. In response, the federal government has announced a stimulus package -- $1,200 checks to tide people over.
Enter scammers. They’re taking advantage of this situation by impersonating the IRS, calling (or emailing or texting) to ask for your banking information so they can deposit your stimulus check.
Obviously, you don’t want to play that game. The real IRS would never ask for your private banking information in such a sloppy way.
Fake Masks
Ever since this crisis began, there have been shortages of several essential health and wellness products. One reason is private citizens hoarding; another is federal and state governments trying to direct the flow of critical supplies to areas where they’re most needed.
A good example of the latter is the N95 medical mask. These are in high demand as people all around the world work to stem the spread of the virus. However, basically all N95 masks in the United States have been stockpiled for use in hospitals.
You may be surprised, then, to see people selling N95 masks online. Don’t click. It’s a scam. And even if it’s not, these masks should be reserved for those who really need them at this time.
Work From Home
Some people work from home, and that’s entirely legitimate. (I’m doing it right now!) But given how many people are out of work right now, some scammers have taken to creating bogus job ads.
They promise you can apply easily, work from home, and start today. It’s a promise that’s too good to pass up for millions of Americans who are out of work and feeling the pinch. But then your new employers start pestering you to send them money for training or orientation.
Obviously if anyone offering you a job wants you to pay them… it’s a scam.
We hope you found reading about these COVID-19 scams helpful!
READ MORE
You walk into work, and before you’ve even logged in, someone comments on your outfit. Another chimes in with a “joke” about your body. Everyone laughs, except you. It’s 2025—shouldn’t we be past this? Spoiler: we’re not.
Whether it’s pure nostalgia, obsession, or just plain curiosity, these bizarre items prove that, at the right auction, anything can become a treasure.
When a loved one passes away without a will, settling their estate can quickly become a nightmare. If you were promised something but never got it in writing, you might find yourself in a difficult position when you try to claim it as yours.
Emily Jump, a 25-year-old marketing coordinator from Ohio, Columbus, hit a gold mine with her side hustle during the pandemic.
Discover the dual benefits of wellness: boosting your health and saving money. This article dives deep into practical wellness tips that not only promote a healthier lifestyle but also lead to substantial financial savings in the long run. Learn how small health investments today can prevent hefty medical bills tomorrow.
Learning is a lifelong endeavor. If you're looking to hone your skills or acquire new ones, check out these free online education platforms.
Disclaimer
The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.
Dear reader,
It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.
Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!
Warmest regards,
The Moneymade team
