Avoid COVID-19 Scammers
COVID-19 Scams and How to Protect Yourself
During these troubling times, the community has rallied together (6 feet apart of course) to help support each other as best they can. It’s times like these that we’re reminded why we LOVE being a community bank.
But unfortunately, wide-scale crises tend to bring out those trying to exploit the situation for their own gain. As a way to protect yourself and those you love, we wanted to share some tips to help you avoid falling victim to coronavirus-related scams.
Here are some of the most used criminal tactics:
- Student loan scams: Be on the lookout for strange calls, emails and texts saying COVID-19 will have an impact on your student loans. Consult your lender directly. Don’t click on links or give information over the phone.
- Healthcare authority scams: Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. Scammers are posing as national and global health authorities to get you to click on their links, which could allow malware on your device leading to accessing your personal information.
- Cash now scams: Do not respond to emails or text messages claiming they can get you money now.
- Vaccination/test kit scams: Ignore online offers for test kits and vaccines. There are no FDA-approved home test kits or vaccines available.
- Healthcare provider scams: Calls and emails from supposed healthcare providers claiming they are treating a relative for COVID-19 and demanding payment or threatening legal action if you don’t pay. Do not give them any information no matter how urgent it sounds!
- Charity scams: Do your research before donating to any charity.
Always remember:
- Be on the lookout for strange calls, emails, texts or website that look like they are coming from legitimate businesses or government agencies, asking for sensitive information. Pennian Bank will never ask for social security number, username/passwords, account information, credit/debit card numbers, PINS, etc.
- Do your research. Be sure to fact-check information.
If you think you’ve fallen victim to one of these scams, contact us immediately at 717-436-2144 or 888-782-9797. Stay safe and be cautious!