Scammers following in the wake of the coronavirus are attempting to capitalize on Canadians’ fear to steal their cash.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre said criminals are “exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime.”
Among scams reported to the agency are people purporting to be:
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Cleaning or heating companies offering duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19
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Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies threatening to disconnect power for non-payment
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Centres for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood
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Public Health Agency of Canada giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19 and tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription
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Red Cross and other known charities offering free medical products (eg masks) for a donation
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Government departments sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails, tricking you into opening malicious attachments or tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
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Financial advisors pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease or offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs
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Door-to-door sales people selling household decontamination services
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Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
Photo credit: File
To find the latest authentic information, head to:
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (Public Health Agency of Canada)
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (World Health Organization)
