Fraudsters are profiting from people’s fears about COVID-19. Use common sense and be skeptical of offers or claims which state that the seller can diagnose, prevent or cure the virus. For example, be cautious of:

• research information coming from an illegitimate source
• calls, emails or text messages giving medical advice, claiming to be from the government and requesting urgent action or payment
• organizations requesting donations for victims
• cures for the virus
• cheap, easy or fast testing kits
• vaccinations
• cleaning products that claim to cure the virus

Scams reported to the Federal Government Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, include fraudsters posing as:

• Cleaning and heating companies, offering filters and cleaning services that protect against COVID-19
• Employees of the Federal Government and the World Health Organization offering to sell you lists of infected people in your area
• Public Health Agency of Canada employees asking you personal health questions, such as your health insurance number
• Red Cross and other known charities offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation
• Government emails trying to have the recipient open phishing emails and attachments
• Financial advisors purporting to sell exciting new stocks affected by the virus
• Loan companies/banks purporting to offer low interest loans to bridge the financial hardship caused by job loss
• Door-to-door salespeople offering any products related to COVID-19
• Private health companies offering any products related to COVID-19

Remember that if you didn’t contact the person or company, they are likely not who they say they are. It is advisable to never give out your personal information or click on any suspicious/unsolicited emails, links or attachments.

For up-to-date information on Coronavirus COVID-19, visit Health Canada, the World Health Organization, and our related links and resources.

								
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