LITTLE ROCK -- Con artists have been working nonstop to identify new ways to take advantage of Arkansans concerned about their health and the economy during the coronavirus pandemic, including social media and going door to door, according to the Arkansas attorney general's office.
These scammers impersonate government officials and reach out to Arkansans by phone, email or social media demanding the victims' personal and banking information to verify their eligibility for the government's stimulus check, a news release said.
"Bad actors come out in bad situations and will do anything to make a quick buck on the backs of concerned Arkansans," said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "The federal government will never reach out asking for personal and banking information in order to confirm your eligibility for payment."
The attorney general's office offered the following tips:
• Only rely on official government websites (.gov) for economic relief information.
• Never give out personal information over the telephone or email.
When information becomes available, the attorney general's website will direct Arkansas residents to reliable sources, the release said.
Arkansas residents encountering someone demanding personal information to receive federal funds or other assistance should immediately contact the Arkansas attorney general's office by visiting ArkansasAG.gov or calling 800-482-8982.
While Arkansans are staying home in an attempt to prevent infection and spread of the COVID-19 virus, con artists are out and about going door-to-door targeting frightened senior citizens, the release said.
Posing as employees of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "these scammers knock on your door and offer to scan you for the COVID-19 virus at a cost of $50. These con artists, who are not licensed medical professionals, swab your nasal cavity and pretend to perform a medical test while you watch. To obtain your 'test results,' the scammers ask for your banking information, including credit and debit card numbers, and Social Security number," the release said.
"It is unbelievable that con artists use the fear surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic to target Arkansans, especially senior citizens," Rutledge said. "The CDC and other health officials are not going door-to-door and performing tests. Arkansans should consult their trusted health care provider or the Arkansas Department of Health regarding COVID-19 testing."
The attorney general's office confirmed that the CDC is not going door-to-door for testing. Arkansas residents encountering someone at their door stating that they are there to test them for the COVID-19 virus should immediately call local law enforcement and file a consumer complaint with the attorney general's office.
Society on 03/29/2020