| Scammers continue to use a variety of methods to exploit the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Department of Justice urges consumers to stay alert and stay informed about common fraud schemes related to the pandemic.
The agency makes this warning for good reason.
Consumer losses due to Covid-related fraud have topped $500 million, as these scammers rip off the unwary in a variety of schemes ranging from online shopping to travel, as reported by CNBC's Greg Iacurci.
"Scammers always take advantage of disasters, manmade or natural," said Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy at the Consumer Federation of America.
Criminals have used many methods to steal money from unsuspecting Americans, including fraud related to online shopping, travel and government stimulus funds during the pandemic, according to federal data.
So, while these warnings may seem obvious to some, they apparently bear repeating: The Justice Department urges consumers to be on the lookout for Covid-19 vaccine fraud schemes. Never share your personal or health information to anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals. Be cautious of unsolicited health-care fraud schemes of testing and treatment through e-mails, phone calls or in person.
Also, be wary of unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be IRS and Treasury employees. The IRS' first form of communications is by regular mail, not by phone. Also, be aware of unemployment insurance fraud.
If you think you are a victim of a scam or an attempted fraud involving Covid-19, you are urged to call the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline: 866-720-5721. Hotline staff will obtain information regarding your complaint, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials.
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