Whenever there are events that impact the population there are scammers trying to take advantage of the situation. COVID-19 is no different.

From offering fake tests to miracle cures scammers will try anything to trick you into giving them your hard earned money.

The Anti-Fraud Center of Canada has identified a number of scams that are circulating around Canada and the Winnipeg Police Service wants you to know about them so you do not fall victim to them.

COVID-19 SCAMS

A number of scams related to COVID-19 have come to the forefront over the last several months that promise rapid testing for COVID-19, offer financial aid or loans to help get you through, offering free medical products like masks for a donation to a charity, or even claiming you have been tested positive of the virus. In every one of the scams the goal of the scammer is to get your money.

Here is a list of some of the scams you should be aware of that have the fraudsters posing as:

• Loan and financial service companies
  • offering loans, debt consolidation and other financial assistance services
• Cleaning or heating companies
  • offering duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19
• Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies
  • threatening to disconnect your power for non-payment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization
  • offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood
• Public Health Agency of Canada
  • giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19
  • tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription
• Red Cross and other known charities
  • offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation
• Government departments
  • sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails
  • tricking you into opening malicious attachments
  • tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
• Financial advisors
  • pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease
  • offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shutdowns
• Door-to-door salespeople
  • selling household decontamination services
• Private companies
  • offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
    • Only health care providers can perform the tests
    • No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results
  • selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
    • Unapproved drugs threaten public health and violate federal laws
  • Helping with filling out CERB applications for a fee

Police say that it is important to report scams. Many people fall victim to the fraudsters but never report it. Reporting these crimes can help you possibly recover some or all of your losses as well as let the community know about the scam.

If you are scammed keep records. Document all information about the fraud including receipts, copies of emails and/or text messages then report it to police.

If the scam was done over the phone, by mail or through the internet and you did not suffer any financial loss then you should report it to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

© News4.ca 2020