As the COVID-19 pandemic surges on, unfortunately so does the number of scams aiming to thrive on people’s desperation during these times. Last week there was an email alert that went out about a phishing scam that involved scammers using Signal’s toll-free number to gather personal information from non-members.
We have since learned about a scam where criminals claim to be from the Federal Trade Commission. This new scam is luring potential victims by claiming that there is a new COVID-19 fund that will send payments once you have provided and verified your personal information.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Reports have come in that emails claiming to be from the FTC are stating that you’ll get money from a COVID-19 “Global Empowerment Fund”.
- The scammers are requesting that you respond with your bank account information and they’ll transfer the funds to your account.
- The FTC will never contact you by phone, email, text message, or social media to ask for your financial information
- If you get a message like this, don’t respond. Instead, report it to the real FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
For more useful tips, information and advice on financial empowerment, follow us on Facebook at: facebook.com/SignalFinancialFCU. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram at: @signalfcu
-Written by James Fleet, Member Relationship Specialist