--- title: 3 New Coronavirus Scams to Watch Out For description: Coronavirus scams are on the rise. Here are 3 you need to know about so you can protect your family financially, emotionally, and, yes, physically! image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(77).jpg --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) Filter by Category** - 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[dormant account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/dormant-account) - [inactive account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/inactive-account) # 3 New Coronavirus Scams to Watch Out For ** [Sandra Quadros Bowles](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/author/sandra-quadros-bowles) ** May 08, 2020 ![fake covid-19 testing site scam](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(77).jpg) News alert: Scammers aren’t sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. As most of us hunker down to reduce the virus spread, scammers are out there trying to steal your money, sometimes with tragic and potentially fatal consequences. Here are three [coronavirus-related scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-avoid-coronavirus-scams) to watch out for: **1. Fake tests.** In a time when testing is crucial, [some coronavirus testing sites are, unfortunately, fake](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/not-every-covid-19-testing-site-legit). These phony sites can look very real, with tents, signs, hazmat suits, and tests that can appear legitimate. But they are fronts for scammers to collect your personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card details, and health specifics. This fraudulently obtained information can then be used to pilfer your financial accounts and even steal your identity. Perhaps even more tragically, they can put your health further at risk since they don’t always follow legitimate sanitation and safety protocols. It can cause the virus to spread, with potentially tragic results. To avoid this scam: - Call your doctor if you think you need testing; he or she may suggest you recover at home if your symptoms are mild and avoid test sites altogether. - If you do need testing, get a referral from your local or state health department. And if you have any questions about the legitimacy of the test site, reach out to law enforcement. - Report fake test sites to [ftc.gov/complaint.](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/AAOqCYEnX5TvBXIGJoAk?domain=ftccomplaintassistant.gov/) **2. Theft of economic impact, or “stimulus,’’ money.** As part of an economic recovery package, Congress approved a direct payment of $1,200 to most Americans, although the amount can vary due to income and family size. [Scammers are trying to steal this money](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-warning-about-coronavirus-related-scams-watch-out-for-schemes-tied-to-economic-impact-payments), the IRS reports. Scammers may: - Ask recipients to sign over their payment checks. - Use social media, phone, email, or texts to request verification of personal and/or financial information. - Suggest recipients work with them to receive their checks faster. - Mail a fake check, often with an odd amount, and ask the recipient to call to verify financial or personal details before cashing. The IRS reminds the public that in most cases, economic impact money is direct deposited or an official check is sent by mail. The IRS does not call recipients or send emails. Be especially wary of attachments in these phony emails and don't open them; they could be viruses. Visit [irs.gov](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/JaPgC2koJWH4yQi9we6B?domain=irs.gov) for more information. **3. Making false claims to access ATM information**. [Scammers are reaching out to people by phone or SMS messaging](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/scam-alert-beware-the-online-banking-vhishing-scam) to claim their bank cards are blocked, according to recent reports received by the Credit Union National Organization (CUNA). The scammers then request personal information as a way to “authenticate’’ the caller. This personal information can lead to fraudulent activity, often at ATMs. These scams have been on the increase in recent weeks. Here are ways you can stay safe: - Don’t let people pressure or frighten you on the phone. Scammers are master manipulators. - Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers; legitimate callers will leave a message. - Never share one-time passwords. These are gateways to the personal information scammers love. - Review your statements regularly and carefully; contact your bank if you see any unauthorized activity. - When in doubt, hang up. If you have any questions or concerns, end communications and contact your financial institution directly. Knowledge is power and healthy skepticism may be your most powerful tool these days to stay healthy physically, mentally, and financially. *Download our free [Financial First Aid Guide](https://go.hfcu.org/first-aid?_ga=2.224802845.649489784.1585309587-403457074.1585309587)! It'll walk you through the best ways to manage your money during uncertain times. We’ll show you how to take inventory and review all your expenses, assess your debts, prioritize bills and communicate with creditors, and so much more!* *[![Financial First Aid eGuide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/43e73f75-c05c-466f-816f-72fbdd5a25b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/43e73f75-c05c-466f-816f-72fbdd5a25b7)* *Others are reading:* - [How to Get Your Stimulus Check Quickly](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-get-your-stimulus-check-quickly) - [Tax Season Scams: What You Need to Know](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/tax-season-scams-what-you-need-to-know) - [How to Avoid Coronavirus Scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-avoid-coronavirus-scams) - [COVID-19 and Your Banking Needs with Hanscom FCU](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/covid-19-and-your-banking-needs-with-hanscom-fcu) - [Scam Alert: Beware the Fake IRS Refund Check](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/tax-scam) ** [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security), [Scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/scams), [Government](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/government) [** 3 New Rules for Refinancing Your Mortgage ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-new-rules-for-refinancing-your-mortgage) [** 7 Ways to Cut Clutter ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/7-ways-to-cut-clutter) ### About Author ![Sandra Quadros Bowles](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Sandy%20Quadros%20Bowles.jpg) Sandra Quadros Bowles Sandy Quadros Bowles is a veteran journalist who has received local, state, and national journalism awards. A resident of New Bedford, MA, she is an animal enthusiast, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic traveler. Related Posts [![Protect Your Accounts from the Rise of Check Fraud](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(16)-2.png) Protect Your Accounts from the Rise of Check Fraud ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/protect-your-accounts-from-the-rise-of-check-fraud) [![How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20800%20x%20800px%20(1)-1.png) How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/155005/don-t-let-identity-theft-ruin-your-holidays) [![How to Avoid the Latest Financial Scam: AI Voice Cloning](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20800%20x%20800px-1.png) How to Avoid the Latest Financial Scam: AI Voice Cloning ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/ai-voice-cloning-scam) ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-new-coronavirus-scams-to-watch-out-for/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-new-coronavirus-scams-to-watch-out-for/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-new-coronavirus-scams-to-watch-out-for/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. 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The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Popular Posts [What You Need to Know About Putting Your Home in a Trust](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-putting-your-home-in-a-trust) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-02-10T072804.753.jpg) [What You Need to Know About Your Federal Tax Bracket](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tax-bracket) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-03-22T123305.900.jpg) [6 Boat Types to Get on the Water](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-boat-types-to-get-on-the-water) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/Jet_Ski.jpg) [23 Organizations Dedicated to the Needs of Seniors](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/23-organizations-dedicated-to-the-needs-of-seniors) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Senior%20citizens.jpg) [9 Smart Moves for Lottery Winners](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/lottery) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/lottery_winner.jpg) ### Recent Posts - [![National Credit Union Administration](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NCUA-logo-small.png?width=95&name=NCUA-logo-small.png) ](https://www.ncua.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EHL-logo-small.png?width=65&name=EHL-logo-small.png)](https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing) - @ 2023 [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://www.hfcu.org/) - Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.hfcu.org/content/docs/Privacy_Notice.pdf) **Disclosure:** Hanscom Federal Credit Union does not provide and is not responsible for any products, services, or overall website content available at any third-party sites linked within this blog. Moreover, Hanscom Federal Credit Union's privacy policies do not apply to any of the linked websites within this blog. Please consult the privacy disclosures on those linked sites for further information. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sandra Quadros Bowles" }, "dateModified" : "May 11, 2020, 4:41:37 PM", "datePublished" : "2020-05-08 12:00:00", "description" : "Coronavirus scams are on the rise. 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