The FTC has also provided guidance to help consumers identify
potential scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance
advises consumers of specific, COVID-19 related scams,
including:
- online sellers claiming to offer
common, high-demand household products but not fulfilling orders
after payment is made;
- soliciting funds and donations for
fake charities; and
- phishing emails with links to
purported health information from organizations such as the CDC or
WHO with malware or seeking consumers’ social security
numbers and other personal information.
The FTC recommends consumers research the names of charities and
online businesses before making orders or sending money, and also
ensure that their computer and mobile device security software is
up to date and running. In addition, the FTC also released
tips to help consumers avoid coronavirus scams, which
include scrutinizing unfamiliar links or information requests, not
clicking on links from
