As the coronavirus pandemic continues, so do scams.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Division of Emergency Management say a host of schemes may well be circulating, some simultaneously — including:
*Fake diagnostic testing kits, either door-to-door or online
*Unproven treatments like vaccines or purported cures
*Fraudulent sales of supplies like surgical masks through websites, social media accounts and email addresses
*Fake medical providers demanding payment for allegedly treating friends or relatives
*Solicited donations from unknown people, groups or organizations
*Phony communications from scammers allegedly involved with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization and other health authorities. These often lead to malware downloads or people providing personal information
*Fake mobile apps that insert malware instead of tracking COVID-19 spread
*Phony COVID-19 investments
*Overinflated prices for goods
*Fraudulent insurance, workers compensation and Medicaid activities by alleged salesmen or contractors
On top of that, people saying they are health officials may come to your door and request or demand that you go with them for COVID-19 tests. State health officials say you should never do that. Instead, call local law enforcement immediately.
More information is available on the KDHE tracking dashboard. Click here for the link.
