The coronavirus COVID-19 has begun to spread in the U.S. and the Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning.
"While this is bad news for most Americans, it's great news for scammers who are cashing in on our anxiety about the disease. Look out for fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other coronavirus cons," warned Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of the BBB serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plans and Southwest Iowa.
Hegarty says claims about preventions or a "cure" on social media, in an email, or on a website are false. The message or website often will contain information about this "amazing product," including convincing testimonials or a conspiracy theory backstory. In one example, a scam email claims that the government has discovered a vaccine but is keeping it secret for "security reasons."
"Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines or drugs to prevent coronavirus, although treatments are in development," said Hegarty. "No approved vaccines, drugs, or products specifically for coronavirus can be purchased online or in stores."
Peddling phony medicines isn't the only way scammers are trying to cash in on coronavirus fears. Con artists are impersonating the CDC and the World Health Organization in phishing emails. These messages claim to have news about the disease and prompt readers to download malicious software. Another scam email tries to con people into donating to a fake fundraising effort, claiming to be a government program to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
The BBB has some suggestions to help identify a scam:
Do your research: Be skeptical of alarmist and conspiracy theory claims and don't rush into buying anything that seems too good, or crazy, to be true. Always double-check the information you see online with official news sources.
Be wary of personal testimonials and "miracle" product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. No one product could be effective against a long, varied list of conditions or diseases. Also, testimonials are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
It's "all-natural." Just because it's natural does not mean it's good for you. All-natural does not mean the same thing as safe.
Check with your doctor: If you're tempted to buy an unproven product or one with questionable claims, check with your doctor or other health care professional first.
For more about coronavirus scams visit the Federal Trade Commission's website. The BBB's has already published an alert about counterfeit face masks. Learn more about the disease at the CDC's FAQ page. Also, the FDA is updating this page about its progress in developing a treatment for coronavirus.
Anyone can report a scam at the BBB's ScamTracker.
