Be on guard for coronavirus robocalls, warns FCC
Robocalls have been targeting the vulnerable and unsuspecting for years, so it’s no surprise that the scumbags would take advantage of the current global catastrophe to enhance their scams. The FCC warns that it has received numerous reports of coronavirus-related robocall cons in the wild — here’s what to look for.
While previous robocall scams threatened IRS penalties or promised free vacations, the new ones are using both pandemic-related and personal information to make what could for some be a pretty convincing pitch. Here are a few common scams the FCC has been alerted to:
- Warnings of national quarantine or martial law — these could be trying to get you to order something or just part of a coordinated disinformation campaign
- Messages purporting to be from the WHO or charities asking for money
- Offers of free virus test kits — some of these are targeting individuals with diabetes specifically, offering a free blood sugar monitor as well
- Offering HVAC cleaning or upgrades to protect against the virus
- Promotions of various bogus products and treatments for the virus
- Asking for information to confirm a check from the government — the process for this if it happens will not be a random text message
The FCC post has some examples, including audio, of some of these scams in case you’re wondering what it might sound like to receive a malicious HVAC solicitation.
As a general robocall rule, unknown numbers — especially from your home area code — are a red flag. Let them go to message and you can always listen later. If it’s a local business saying your order’s ready or a hospital reminding you of your appointment, they’ll say so.
Anyone asking for personal or payment info over phone, text, or email is almost certainly a scammer. There is almost never any need to share this information insecurely.
Links in text messages from unknown or suspicious numbers are never to be touched. They may lead to being hacked or tracked via means hosted on the web.
Stay safe out there and let’s hope the upcoming regulatory framework aimed at combating robocalls does the trick.
Robocalls have been targeting the vulnerable and unsuspecting for years, so it’s no surprise that the scumbags would take advantage of the current global catastrophe to enhance their scams. The FCC warns that it has received numerous reports of coronavirus-related robocall cons in the wild — here’s what to look…
Recent Posts
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage trust falls onto the iPhone this June
- Netflix movie of the day: Baby Driver is an incredible action movie with a stunning soundtrack and 92% on Rotten Tomatoes
- This secret Android 15 feature could finally give you more media control with a Wear OS smartwatch
- Pixel 8A leak reveals $499 starting price
- Even Walmart thinks American healthcare is too expensive
Archives
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- December 2011