New York warns of coronavirus scams
ALBANY — The New York State Division of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers about schemes taking advantage of fears surrounding the novel coronavirus.
Scammers are using fake emails that contain harmful links designed to steal your personal information, according to Secretary of State Rossana Rosado.
While the state Department of Health, which is the medical authority on novel coronavirus in New York, has recently said there are no confirmed cases anywhere in New York, people should be on the lookout for scammers.
“Unscrupulous scammers are taking advantage of the news of the novel coronavirus by trying to lure people into unknowingly providing their personal information,” Rosado said Friday. “Taking the necessary precautions to avoid coronavirus scams can help protect your hard-earned money and your identity.”
Scammers are using fake emails that claim to have information on novel coronavirus updates and include an interactive link where you can look up the numbers of cases near you and more, Rosado said.
But the links are harmful and redirect to web pages that steal your information instead of providing you with important updates, according to the Division of Consumer Protection.
“While the novel coronavirus is infecting people throughout the world, in New York State we have had no confirmed cases,” said state Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Unfortunately, the internet is loaded with misinformation, but simple, proven precautions like washing your hands and staying indoors when you feel sick will help prevent the spread of infection all year.”
The Department of Consumer Protection offers the following tips to protect yourself from novel coronavirus scams and similar scams that typically arise with a major global event: Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know; be aware of emails coming from unknown senders; ignore online offers for vaccinations; be aware of emails asking for donations; be alert to “investment opportunities.”
The state is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus, which was detected in China. While there are thousands of cases there, no one has been diagnosed with this new coronavirus in New York state, according to the state Department of Health.
