COVID-19 SCAMS

TIPS From The IRS

While scams continue all year long, the novel coronavirus crisis has spawned a new string to scams  targeting older adults. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that since 2014, Americans have lost over $450 million to government impostor scams, with those aged 80 and over losing the most—a median $2,700.
REMEMBER THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DO NOT CALL. 

BOTH FEDERAL AGENCIES COMMUNICATE BY OFFICIAL MAIL SERVICE.

• Protect your identity-Do not reveal or share your Social Security number.
• Pass on “Unknown caller”. You can listen to the message.


HANG UP ON GOVERNMENT IMPOSTERS

• Threatening legal action for fraudulent activities utilizing your Social Security account and requesting your Social Security number to verify the account.
• Threatening arrest or stating US Marshalls will be coming to your door due to non-payment of IRS bills if you do not buy and send gift cards to a specific address.
• Impersonating IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) requesting money for an unpaid tax bill.

BEWARE OF ADVERTISEMENTS OR SOLICITATIONS FOR COVID-19 REMEDIES

• Exotic oils or elixirs that protect against or cure COVID-19
• Respirators for sale
• Claims of COVID-19 vaccine
• Offers of “free” medical equipment or tests- Medicare covers a range of preventive services and durable medical equipment (DME) at no/low cost to beneficiaries. But it’s important to remember that there are rules for receiving these services, and you should only accept them from trusted providers