RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – North Carolina consumers have been ripped off for more than $3.8 million in fraud cases linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report out Wednesday says. But the worst might not be over.
That NC total is eighth highest among the 50 states, according to data compiled by The Ascent which is part of financial information site Motley Fool.
Fraud includes “any type of scam, fraud, or identity theft related to the novel coronavirus.” And Ascent notes that with a possible second round of pandemic relief checks people can’t let their guards down. “We could see [complaints] spike again as another stimulus package is on the horizon,”Ascent says.
And some of the scams are outrageous.
“One of the more brazen examples has come courtesy of a direct mail marketing firm for car dealerships, which claimed it was offering a government-affiliated automotive stimulus program and sent out fake “COVID-19 Auto Stimulus” checks,” Ascent warns.
- More info: FTC warnings about scams
Federal and state officials have warned people to be careful about a variety of scams related to the virus. But more than 184,000 cases totalling more than $124 million have been reported, the report says. It cites Federal Trade Commission data.
The top 10 states for fraud reports:
- California, $17,180,000
- New York, $7,770,000
- Texas, $6,060,000
- Florida, $5,960,000
- Georgia, $3,960,000
- Illinois, $3,930,000
- New Jersey, $3,870,000
- North Carolina, $3,820,000
- Washington, $3,600,000
- Michigan, $2,940,000
Fraud problems include identity theft, money theft and more.
FTC warnings about fraud also include:
- Offers for at-home COVID-19 test kits or vaccinations
- Stimulus payments that are stolen through identity theft
- Robocalls offering scam services, such as inexpensive health insurance or work-from-home jobs
- Sales of personal protective equipment (PPE) with delivery dates the seller knows they can’t meet
