Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre logo.

By David Opinko

Sadly, they're out there

Beware of COVID-19 fraudsters

Mar 18, 2020 | 8:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is warning the public that scammers appear to be trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 situation.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, watch out for associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime.”

They claim that fraudsters are posing as everything from:

• Cleaning or heating companies
  • offering duct cleaning services or filters to protect from COVID-19
  • offering “special” air filters
• Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies
  • threatening to disconnect your power for non-payment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization
  • offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood
• Public Health Agency of Canada
  • giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19
  • tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription
• Red Cross and other known charities
  • offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation
• Government departments
  • sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails
  • tricking you into opening malicious attachments
  • tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
• Financial advisors
  • pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease
  • offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs
• Door-to-door sales people
  • selling household decontamination services
• Private companies
  • offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
    • Only hospitals can perform the tests
    • No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results
  • selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
    • Unapproved drugs threaten public health and violate federal laws

The CAFC is asking residents to not initiate contact with unsolicited calls, emails, or texts giving medical advice or requesting urgent action or payment.

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As well, they say to never respond to or click on suspicious links and attachments, never give out your personal or financial details.

Be wary of “questionable offers” such as miracle cures, herbal remedies, vaccination, and faster testing.

If the person contacting you claims to be with a charity, verify that they are a registered charity.

Legitimate information regarding COVID-19 can be found on the Government of Canada or World Health Organization’s websites.