There’s a new scam tied to the coronavirus circulating through the internet that you might want to watch out for.
- The new scam targets people who have “violated quarantine” — a fictitious idea that has no basis in reality.
According to The Verge, an email is circulating that threatens to fine people who have left their home.
The email reads:
“We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of $59 has been added to your gov.us account.”
Those who receive the email are asked to visit a website that took them to another website, which was filled with spammy content, The Verge reports.
What a previous scam said
Back in August, a phone scam tied to the novel coronavirus pandemic started to circulate through the country, which I wrote about for the Deseret News.
- The Montana attorney general said the scam comes from callers who tell people “I’m calling from your local health department to let you know that you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.”
- The caller then asked for payment information.
- “Legitimate contact tracers will never ask you to pay a fee. Do not provide payment, and end the call.” — according to the Office of Consumer Protection.
“Contact tracing is an important part of managing the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, there are scammers trying to profit from the confusion and fear surrounding the coronavirus. Don’t give out any financial information, and never pay someone who claims to be a contact tracer. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for payment.” — U.S. Attorney General Tim Fox said.