Most of the world is currently on lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But unfortunately, I can’t say the same for scammers. In fact, this is the perfect time for a scammer to strike, as a lot of people are scared of the uncertainties surrounding the novel coronavirus and so are vulnerable to try out claims of a cure or anything that will keep them safe from the virus. Scammers usually prey on people in moments like this but thankfully, Contra Health Scam is here to tackle the issue and keep you safe. So in this brief article, here are the types of health scams that you should keep your distance from during this historic pandemic!
1. Online Offers of Vaccination and Home Test Kits
As at this moment, no vaccine has been approved for use against coronavirus. A vaccine is currently being developed by different companies but it will take at least 6 months to several years before one will be fully developed. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn’t expect any vaccine to be fully developed and approved by the FDA during the pandemic. So don’t be in a hurry to get vaccinated at this time. You’ll only end up falling victim to scammers.
As for testing kits, there are also no approved home testing kits for coronavirus. The only approved testing kits available are limited, and you can only be tested by medical professionals in specific testing locations. These locations are usually hospitals or specially designated mobile testing areas.
So if you start developing symptoms that resemble COVID-19 infection ( e.g high fever, cough, trouble breathing), immediately call your local COVID 19 response hotline and request to be tested. Alternatively, simply see your doctor, who will evaluate you to see whether you qualify to be tested for COVID 19. Don’t resort to searching online for some quick home testing kits because there is none!
Regular readers of Contra Health Scam know that the bulk of the health scams being exposed here are programs or supplements claiming to be ‘natural’ remedies of various health conditions. It is inevitable that some scammer will begin selling some product or supplement claiming that it can at least protect you from the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, last month, the FBI arrested an actor for selling what he claimed will cure your coronavirus infection ‘in 3 days’. He’s now facing 20 years in jail for wire fraud.
Also, a Nigerian state governor who tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month, reportedly claimed that he cured himself using only Vitamin C, Blackseed oil and honey. Now while this may be true, the fact remains that some scammer will exploit this claim to sell some form of ‘natural’ cure for coronavirus infection. However, you should not fall for it! As I’ve exposed many times – read this Arctic Blast review for example – most of these scams end up using these ingredients in their ads and not in the actual product. Even at that, you’ll discover other serious red flags as a scam is a scam no matter how hard they try to hide it!
WHAT TO DO? Listen to accredited health authorities and follow their instructions. There is no cure yet for coronavirus infection, but there are ongoing studies about antimalarial drug chloroquine being a potential cure against the virus. There is already anecdotal evidence proving that the drug is effective, but nothing is officially definite at this time. Currently, chloroquine is approved for emergency treatment of those already with the virus, not as a preventative treatment. So please don’t hoard the drug.
3. Fake SMS or Emails From “WHO” and Other Government Health Agencies
During this time, a lot of scammers will try fleecing you by pretending to be agents of the World Health Organization (WHO) or your local government health agency. They’ll then send you unsolicited emails or SMS asking for anything from your credit card details to some simple monetary donations. Please note that most government agencies won’t ask you for your credit card information or to donate by going to some suspicious-looking website. Also, make it a habit of not opening or replying to unsolicited emails, or emails sent to your spam folder. The same goes for unsolicited SMS messages from unknown sources.
WHAT TO DO? Visit your government’s portal to get information about the latest news about coronavirus. Every country has a dedicated website for information about the pandemic and most times, the website has all the contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. Only interact with these official contacts and block everything else for maximum safety.
4. Robocalls From Unknown Sources
Robocalls are those calls where you get an automated voice message listing the services the number you dialed is offering and asking you to choose a service by pressing a number on your phone. They are usually used by telecommunication and internet service providers for customer support.
Unfortunately, robocalls are easy to access and set up and so scammers can easily exploit this to scam people. They usually do this by calling numbers at random and then offering anyone who answers the call their ‘services’, which may include cheap health insurance plans or cheap discounts to popular drugs like Viagra. In this time of the pandemic, you should expect such scammy robocalls and protect yourself from them.
WHAT TO DO? Disregard and block any unsolicited robocalls from sources you either don’t know or have never worked with. Only receive robocalls from companies that you’ve expressly given permission to call you.
For more about robocalls, check out ftc.gov.
During this pandemic, a lot of people are emotionally vulnerable. This makes them a prime target for scammers, some of who will set up fake charity websites asking for donations to fight coronavirus. Sometimes, these scammers may offer you a scam product under the guise that some percentage of the sales will be donated to the cause. Check out my KetoWeightLoss.com review for an example of this.
Therefore, if you come across such websites, make sure that you do your research before donating any money. If you come across any website selling some suspicious product for charity (especially a health product), still do your research into that product before parting with your money. It is VERY IMPORTANT to not let your emotions make the decision for you. Always be alert and smart!
Conclusion
The coronavirus pandemic is hitting everyone hard across the board. Many people have lost their jobs and consequently, their source of income. But scammers don’t care, and will do everything to drain your pocket at this time. So wise up and at least, follow the instructions I listed here. Then you’ll be safe.
(Image by mohamed Hassan/ Pixabay)
