Don’t Fall for Pandemic Cons
Scammers are stealing money with phishing schemes, fake remedies and inflated prices on products that are in demand.
Beware of e-mail messages that claim to come from medical or health care organizations, especially if they include attachments that supposedly provide pertinent information about the coronavirus. Cybercriminals are using these bogus e-mails to trick individuals into downloading malware onto their computers that can be used to steal personal information, the U.S. Secret Service says. Also watch out for:
Non-delivery scams. Avoid paying up-front payments or deposits for high-demand items, such as hand sanitizers or face masks. Some crooks, posing as medical supply companies, take the money and run, the Secret Service says. Some businesses that actually stock the products are selling them at exorbitant prices. In states where the governor has declared an emergency because of the coronavirus, such price gouging may be illegal.
Fake cures. There are currently no approved drugs or vaccines available to treat the coronavirus, but that hasn’t stopped hucksters from promoting teas, essential oils and minerals as miracle cures for the disease. In early March, the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to seven sellers of such products, noting that the companies have no evidence to back up their claims.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Block joined Kiplinger in June 2012 from USA Today, where she was a reporter and personal finance columnist for more than 15 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Akron Beacon-Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. In 1993, she was a Knight-Bagehot fellow in economics and business journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has a BA in communications from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va.
-
Six Ways Women Can Overcome Any Financial Obstacles Holding Them Back
To improve your financial situation, focus on empowering yourself first.
By Kiplinger Advisor Collective Published
-
Should You Enroll in Medicare if You Still Have a Job?
This question is being asked more than ever these days, so here’s what you can do when it comes to making Medicare decisions while you’re still working.
By Jae W. Oh Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study Shows
Scams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published