Coronavirus: Beware of scams as illness spreads

Like any other time when the nation is on alert, scammers use it as a time to start preying.

Officials in Michigan are warning residents to be wary of emails asking for donations for victims.

Phishing emails were seen in early February, NBC News reported.

Not only that, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Department of Health and Human Services say other emails and social media posts are giving advice for treatments and could be hiding dangerous electronic attachments, The News-Herald reported.

Nessel said some of the scams even tout fake products, according to the newspaper.

The attorney general isn’t the only one warning about scammers.

The Federal Trade Commission rolled out guidance in early February on how to spot a scam and how to stay electronically secure.

The FTC says:

• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. You could get a virus.
• Make sure your anti-malware and anti-virus software is up to date.
• Watch for fake emails that say they are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instead, visit the CDC and the World Health Organization directly.
• Don’t pay attention to advertisements for vaccines, cures or treatments.
• Check out charities or other requests for donations. Don’t be forced or rushed to donate. And don’t give a donation of cash, gift card or wiring money.
• Watch for “investment opportunities.”

Cox Media Group