RCMP are warning residents of scams using the COVID-19 outbreak as a cover.
Scams associated with the global pandemic have been cropping up, feeding on people’s fear, uncertainty and misinformation during a difficult time.
“Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cybercrime,” Rimbey RCMP said in a press release.
Scammers are using different means to attempt to exploit innocent victims.
These scams include door-to-door salespeople, and people posing as an official from the Red Cross.
RCMP say they are following scams that have been reported: Cleaning or heating companies, offering duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19.
Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies, threatening to disconnect your power for non-payment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization, 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, persuading 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 shutdowns.
Door-to-door sales people, selling household decontamination services.
Private companies, offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale. Only hospitals can perform the test.
No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results and the selling of fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease threaten public health and violate federal laws.