The Better Business Bureau is warning about new scams targeting people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BBB recently started a website recently to tackle common COVID-19 scams and inform the public.
As the virus spreads, scams related to the virus are becoming more common: price-gouging, travel scams and more.
On April 3, they released the top 6 scams they've seen reported. One of the most common scams was phony cures and fake masks -- saying scammers are emailing people trying to sell people snake oil products they claim will prevent or cure COVID-19.
Other scams target people by asking for fees to receive stimulus checks. The real checks, though, require no action or fees to receive and will be automatically issued by the IRS in the coming weeks.
Several other scams include standard cold call scams phishing for people's personal information, people impersonating government officials, employment scams promising remote work with good pay, and price gouging scams on high-demand items such as toilet paper and masks.
BBB's new web page, https://www.bbb.org/council/coronavirus/, compiles the organizations articles about individual scams. It also has information for people whose vacations or financial plans are disrupted by virus fears.
The web page starts with a statement about the outbreak.
"COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is affecting people, businesses and communities around the world. Better Business Bureau reminds everyone to remain vigilant to avoid scams related to the virus, use necessary, common sense precautions when traveling, and find reliable sources to stay informed about what to do as the virus spreads."