Beware of COVID-19 Related Scams

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  • Do your homework and verify sources when it comes to donations. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation of cash, gift card, or by wiring money.  Often, these are scams attempting to defraud you by taking advantage of your generosity and desire to help local first responders.
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent COVID-19. Likewise, verify and know who you buy products from online. Often, sellers will claim to have the hard to find products, but in fact do not.
  • Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources.
  • Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
  • Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus.

Report any suspected SCAM activity to your local law enforcement agency or contact the Louisiana Dept. of Justice Hotline at 1-800-351-4889.

For answers to the most frequently asked questions and latest information available concerning COVID-19, visit the link below to the Louisiana Department of Health website.

http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/

You may also dial 211 or visit the 211 website if you have further questions, or text LACOVID to 898-211 for the latest available information.

http://211.org/services/covid19