As a result of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) there have been an increase of scammers and fraudulent behaviour targeting people’s personal information. We want to help shed some light on this situation and provide some helpful tips for keeping not only your physical self safe, but your personal information safe as well.
Knowing what to look for can help us to direct our efforts when watching for suspicious behaviour. According to the Government of Canada, be on the lookout for the following scams:
- Fake government, healthcare or research information.
- Unsolicited calls, emails and texts requesting urgent action or payment and/or offering medical advice, financial relief, or government assistance and compensation.
- Unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims, products or research. Verify is a charity is registered here.
- High-priced or low-quality products purchased in bulk by consumers and resold for profit.
- Questionable offers (miracle cures, herbal remedies, vaccinations, faster testing).
- Fake and deceptive online ads (cleaning products, hand sanitizers, other items in high demand).
Financial related scams unfortunately happen all the time, but especially during times of global crisis. The Government of Canada connects this to scammers preying on people’s heightened fear to spread misinformation.
Regarding personal/financial information, the Canadian Bankers Association suggests the following tips can help to spot a scam:
Be skeptical. If something feels a bit ‘off’ to you, trust your gut, it’s usually right. It’s better to be over cautious in times when you are uncertain.
Be vigilant. Stay informed and pay attention to potential scams. Being in the know can help you avoid dangerous mistakes.
Check who sent the message. To name a few examples, this includes being skeptical of phone calls, texts, and emails containing links from senders you do not recognize. Be extra careful clicking links and sharing any personal information.
Be proactive by protecting your devices. Click here to read more on best practices for protecting your personal devices.
For more information on reported scams and other resources, visit the Government of Canada‘s information page on COVID-19 fraud. You can also visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn about how to look after your financial health during this time.
Saskatchewan Blue Cross is taking measures to attend to the health and well-being of our employees, our members, our customers, and our communities. We’re committed to serving you in your time of need. We’re here for you. If you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, please visit our website for more information.