Watch for COVID-19 scams!  Be aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams.  There have been reports of:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share virus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home through several platforms. Go to:

• Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov
• If it’s a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Visit the US Department of Justice COVID 19 page for more information.

COVID-19: Consumer Protection – Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection COVID-19 page to help with a variety of consumer protection issues, including scams, rent/child support issues, and price gouging.

Avoid Coronavirus Scams – The Federal Trade Commission has the most current information on how to keep the scammers at bay.