We wanted to share our curated knowledge of scams relating to the COVID-19 crisis, to help keep you safe and informed. Currently, fraudsters are trying to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties, and misinformation; exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has updated it's list of known COVID-19 related scams, urging Canadians to be vigilant as fraudsters look to exploit the crisis.
Here is the CAFC's latest list of detected scams, as of March 18th:
- 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 power for non-payment.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the World Health Organization (WHO) 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 advisers 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 fake COVID-19 tests for sale.
To learn more about COVID-19 related scams, please see the links here:
Please do not hesitate to contact any BAASS team member if you have any questions, or if we can assist you in any way.