Attorney General Peter F. Neronha urges the public to be vigilant as new scams emerge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Call, e-mails, or text messages promising federal aid checks and seeking upfront payment, bank account information, social security numbers or other personally identifiable information are scams. Individuals should not share personally identifiable information in response to these solicitations.
“The checks do not exist yet. If you receive a message promising you that money, it’s a scam,” said Attorney General Neronha. “These are challenging times and many people could use some relief. Unfortunately, there are scammers who will try and take advantage of people in need. If you see it, call us. The more information we get from the public, the more we can get the word out to help others.”
Our consumer protection team has received complaints from Rhode Islanders who have received text messages urging them to click on a link to receive their “$1,000 assistance check” or e-mails with the subject line “COVID-19 PANDEMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE.” When consumers click on the link or open the e-mail, they are asked to provide personal information, including bank account and social security numbers, to get their check.
If you see these scams or think you have been the victim of a scam, contact our Consumer Protection Unit at (401) 274-4400, consumers@riag.ri.gov, or fill out an online complaint form.
The FTC has issued the following guidelines for consumers to keep in mind:
• The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.
• The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does so is a scammer.
• Financial assistance to individuals and families has not yet been authorized. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
This is just the latest scam to emerge during this time of uncertainty. The RIAG offers this additional guidance for protecting against scams and fraud:
• Be vigilant! Don’t click on links in unsolicited e-mails. Always verify the source.
• Be wary of emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations will not be contacting you directly. Visit www.cdc.gov or www.who.int for health-related information.
• There is currently no vaccine or approved treatment for COVID-19. Any offer promising a vaccination or treatment is a scam.
• Thoroughly check out any charity or organization seeking donations for COVID-19 related causes. Someone asking for donations – particularly in cash, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards – to help victims of COVID-19, or for “research” into finding a vaccine or cure, is likely a scammer.
• Look out for scam “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued an investor alert. Before making any type of investment regarding stock in any company, you should contact a legitimate investment company.
• Beware of online or unsolicited calls or emails from individuals posing as government officials, insurance adjustors or healthcare representatives. Do not provide personal information (such as social security number, date of birth, etc.) to any unsolicited callers.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, contact our Consumer Protection Unit at (401) 274-4400, consumers@riag.ri.gov, or fill out an online complaint form.
