Scams to look for during COVID-19

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Cyber criminals are starting to take advantage of the large number of people now social distancing around Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Insurance released U.S. Department of Justice guidance on the types of scams to look out while adding extra screen time during the pandemic.

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Vaccine and treatment scams. Scammers may advertise fake cures, vaccines and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
Shopping Scams. Scammers may create fake stores, e-commerce websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand. Supplies might include things like hand sanitizer, toilet paper and surgical masks. Scammers will keep your money but never provide you with the merchandise.
Medical scams. Scammers may call and email people pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19 and demand payment for treatment.
Charity scams. Scammers sometimes ask for donations for people and groups affected by COVID-19.
Phishing and Malware scams. During the COVID-19 crisis, phishing and malware scams may be used to gain access to your computer or to steal your credentials.
App scams. Scammers may create mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 and insert malware into that app, which will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
Investment scams. Scammers may offer online promotions on things like social media, claiming that products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, causing the stock of these companies to dramatically increase in value as a result.