Scam Warning
Delivery notification scam calls and texts have increased with online shopping. Find out what to watch out for.
Consumer Information
The FCC COVID-19 Consumer Guide has information about coronavirus scams and how you can avoid becoming a victim.
Coronavirus Scam Audio Samples
Social Security Scam
Hello this is a call from the Social Security Administration. During these difficult times of the coronavirus, we regret to inform you that we have got an order to suspend your socials immediately within 24 hours due to suspicious and fraudulent activities found on your socials. We are contacting you as this case is critical and needs your urgent attention. To get more information about this case please call immediately on our department number 888-991-XXXX. I repeat 888-991-XXXX. (Audio source: Nomorobo)
Diabetic Test Kit Scam
If you are diabetic and using insulin, we can qualify you to get a free diabetic monitor and a complimentary testing kit for coronavirus. To learn more, please press 1, otherwise please press 2. (Audio source: YouMail)
Delivery Scam
Dear customer: Due to coronavirus outbreak, we deliver a wide range of sanitizers, handwash, toilet papers, and face masks at your doorstep to safeguard you and your family from coronavirus. No need to visit stores. Get delivery in 24 hours. To order press 1. For more knowledge and safety tips about coronavirus, press 2. (Audio source: Nomorobo)
Test Kit Phone Scam
...[The Coronavirus] Response Act has made coronavirus testing more accessible immediately. If you want to receive a free testing kit delivered overnight to your home, press 1. If you do not want your free testing, press 2. (Audio source: YouMail)
Work From Home Scam
Hello this is a courtesy invitation to work with Amazon from home and make up to $400 in a day. Open enrollment has begun for the Amazon associate program. The program allows you to partner with Amazon and share in their success, as a referral partner. Everyone over 18 qualifies. No sales or technical experience are needed. Work from home. You set your own schedule. To learn more about partnering with Amazon, call the Amazon hotline at 360-203-XXXX. Spaces are limited so please call now, 360-203-XXXX, that’s 360-203-XXXX. Thank you. (Audio source: Nomorobo)
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, phone scammers are using robocalls and call-back scams to prey on consumer fear and confusion. Scam calls offer home testing kits, promote bogus vaccine distribution, sell health insurance, and promise financial relief, according to AARP, YouMail, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The AARP said that after a short decline in robocalls in 2020 there has been a noticeable increase of robocalls attributed to the pandemic. Scammers have tailored their messages to coincide with the evolution of medical, financial, and even mental issues related to the virus.
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) issued a fraud alert warning against COVID-19 scams encouraging consumers to be mindful of potentially fraudulent activity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued a warning about robocalls offering fraudulent COVID-19 products, such as free virus test kits, in an effort to collect consumers' personal and health insurance information. One malicious version of this scam targeted higher risk people with diabetes, offering a free COVID-19 testing kit along with a free diabetic monitor. Other robocalls have promoted fake cures and solicited payment over the phone.
Fraudsters also prey on financial fears tied to the pandemic. The FCC is aware of robocall scams with COVID-19 themed work-from-home opportunities, debt consolidation offers, and student loan repayment plans. (For legitimate information about the coronavirus-related interest rate deferral on student loans, check FSA's website.)
Consumers aren't the only target. Small businesses have also received scam calls about virus-related funding or loans.
The FCC offers the following tips to help you protect yourself from scams, including coronavirus scams:
- Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
- Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
- Be cautious if you're being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
- Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
- Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren't hacked.
In a concerted effort to combat health care fraud related to COVID-19, the Department of Justice (DOJ) created a hotline for consumers who believe they have been a victim of a scam or fraud related to the pandemic. The National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721.
Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has posted warnings about criminals seeking to take advantage of the pandemic in order to steal money or sensitive personal information. The warnings urge people to be wary of phone calls and text messages that impersonate the WHO and ask for money or account information.
If you think you've been a victim of a coronavirus scam, contact law enforcement immediately.
For more information about scam calls and texts, visit the FCC Consumer Help Center and the FCC Scam Glossary.
File coronavirus robocall scam complaints with the FCC and with the Federal Trade Commission.