AARP Article: Coronavirus Scams Spread as Fraudsters Follow the Headlines

Beware of robocalls, texts and emails promising COVID cures or fast stimulus payments

by John Waggoner and Andy Markowitz, AARP, Updated May 21, 2020

En español | Coronavirus scams are spreading nearly as fast as the virus itself. As of May 20, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had logged more than 28,700 fraud complaints related to the outbreak. Victims have reported losing $37.2 million, with a median loss of $471.

Fraudsters are using the full suite of scam tools — phishing emails and texts, robocallsimpostor schemes and more — and closely following the headlines, adapting their messages and tactics as new medical and economic concerns arise. For example, federal authorities are warning about scams aimed at siphoning Paycheck Protection Program dollars earmarked to help small businesses survive the pandemic.

Here are some other types of coronavirus scams scams to look out for…. Click here to continue reading