The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department has received information of a “gift card” Scam. Sheriff Dan Hartwig says that victims working from home received an e-mail from an individual that they believed to be their supervisor. The email requested that they purchase eight $100 gift cards. Victims were then told to expose the codes on the back and send pictures of the cards to their “supervisor”. Hartwig says if you receive a suspicious email, “verify the email address and also call the person requesting the information to verify the legitimacy of the request.”
Other current scams involve the sale of fake cures, vaccines, and supplies. Some also claim to be a healthcare provider that has treated a loved one demanding payment.
So-called “phishing scams” may come in the forms of e-mails, messages and phone calls claiming to be from the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization or fake charities soliciting donations for people affected by COVID-19.
In addition, apps claiming to track COVID-19 have been developed that insert malware onto your device.
The Sheriff’s Office also cautions residents to be extra vigilant for fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic as scammers have become increasingly active trying to exploit anyone they can.
