How To Protect Yourself From COVID-19 Scams

Fraudsters use phishing scams, fake web pages or phony apps to get your information and money. They use COVID-19 fear tactics and impersonate government and healthcare personnel to sell vaccines or claim financial benefits from government initiatives. Learn about COVID-19 scams and how to protect yourself from them.

Notice suspicious activity on your account?
Call us at 877-448-6500 Opens your phone app..

What you need to know

Don't open suspicious emails or links. Fraudsters may use this as a way to get your information.
Always keep your personal and banking information safe. Don't share your details with anyone.
Fraudsters may use a sense of urgency to convince you to send money or buy products. Don't feel pressured to make any decisions.

What's a COVID-19 scam?

In a COVID-19 scam, fraudsters take advantage of the pandemic to try to get money and personal information. They use a variety of techniques to lure you, such as posing as government or health personnel. Often, they use fear and a sense of urgency to try to get what they want.

Different types of COVID-19 scams

Phishing scams

Fraudsters use phishing to trick you into sharing your information or selecting a link that infects your device with malware. With COVID-19 phishing scams, fraudsters pretend to be from healthcare organizations and try to communicate with you via email or text.

COVID-19 vaccines fraud

Fraudsters pose as authorized sellers and medical personnel to try to get you to buy vaccines online. They may claim you've tested positive for COVID-19 or trick you into confirming your health insurance information and credit card numbers for prescriptions. Get safe vaccinations through a clinic that's endorsed by your local government and public health agency.

CARES payment scams

Fraudsters pose as government representatives to try to get your information and money. They reach out by email or text to ask you to apply or confirm an economic impact payment for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Be wary of communications claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your payment status or refunds.

Warning signs of COVID-19 scams

Unsolicited calls offering home vaccination kits for an upfront fee
An individual or company offering to help you complete applications
Unsolicited calls, emails and texts requesting urgent action or payment for essential services
Charities requesting money from you to support COVID-19 patients, buy products or fund research
Offers for quick and easy testing or vaccinations

Stay safe with our tips

Be wary if you receive any communication with a sense of urgency, especially from the IRS. If you're unsure and want to confirm, call the IRS directly.
Don't download any COVID-19 related apps or software through a website or email link.
Don't respond to unsolicited calls, emails or texts. Always keep your personal information confidential.
Stay cyber safe. This includes using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication and up-to-date software to protect yourself.

Don't select suspicious links or download files from unexpected emails. Be wary of the sender, even if the sender seems to be from a business or government agency. Fraudsters may pose as a trusted person to introduce malware to your device.
Talk to your doctor or consult your local health department for legitimate medical advice. Act diligently, as fraudsters may try to offer you fake products claiming to treat and prevent COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 scams

Internet Crime Complaint Center Opens in a new window.

Report fraud when it happens and track the latest data on fraud happening across the country.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Opens in a new window.

Read about the latest consumer and industry fraud alerts and how to protect your information.

American Bankers Association Opens in a new window.

Get connected with the resources banks use to help you identify, prevent and report fraud.

Protect yourself from COVID-19 scams

What you need to know

What's a COVID-19 scam?

Different types of COVID-19 scams

Phishing scams

COVID-19 vaccines fraud

CARES payment scams

Warning signs of COVID-19 scams

Stay safe with our tips

Learn more about COVID-19 scams