Scams During The Coronavirus Oubreak

Unfortunately, scammers follow the news headlines and craft phone and email scams to trick victims. The FTC has reported a number of scams stemming from the global panic of the Coronavirus. In fact, one resident reported to the Ferguson Township Police Department a phone scam that asked for money from the resident to get a "vaccine" for the Coronavirus. The Ferguson Township Police Department would like to inform our residents of the types of scams happening due to the outbreak:

• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) or experts saying that have information about the virus. 
• Offers for a Coronavirus vaccine. You will not hear about this for the first time from a sales pitch.
• Emails or phone calls claiming to be charities asking you to donate.

Steps you can take to better protect yourself:

• Research charities online before you donate. Check the website's URL for any spelling errors.
• NEVER pay someone in cash, gift cards, or wire transfer. no charity or legitimate organization will ask you to do this.
• Remember scammers can change their caller ID, known as "Caller ID Spoofing"
• If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately and call the Ferguson Police Department. Click here to find out how to contact police.

Be Smart & Stay Safe!

Learn more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams