Charity Scams and the Coronavirus

Scammers are already using the Coronavirus crisis to take advantage of fears and kind hearts.

Emails and calls, promoting donations and offers for unproven treatments are on the rise. Below is an example of a phishing email:

Coronavirus Phishing Email

What should I do?

First, don’t click on links in emails, even if the emails appear to be from a known organization like the CDC or WHO. If you want to go to the linked webpage, type the url yourself.

If you plan to make a donation, research the charity using one of these organizations:

  • http://www.give.org/
  • http://www.guidestar.org/
  • http://www.charitywatch.org/
  • http://www.charitynavigator.org/

Are you already a victim of a scam? First, file a report with the FTC (https://www.ftc.gov/complaint) then contact us for help..