Don’t fall for a coronavirus con

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavius, has hit North America. While this is bad news for most Americans, it’s great news for scammers who are cashing in on our anxiety about the virus. Look out for fake cures, phony prevention measures, and other coronavirus cons.

Here is how the scam works. You are worried about coronavirus and hear about preventions or a "cure" on social media, in an email, or a website. The message or website contains a lot of information about this amazing product, including convincing testimonials or a conspiracy theory backstory. For example, one scam email claims that the government has discovered a vaccine but is keeping it secret for “security reasons.”

Don't do it. Currently there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines or drugs to prevent coronavirus, although treatments are in development. No approved vaccines, drugs, or products specifically for coronavirus can be purchased online or in stores. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters to several companies claiming they had a product to cure or prevent the virus.