BEWARE: BBB warns of COVID-19 relief scam offering you free money

Although many things may be closed, like your favorite ice cream shop, boutique or neighborhood hangout, scammers haven’t closed-up shop.

Scammers have taken this unique opportunity to double down on ways to get money out of your wallet during the pandemic.

The Better Business Bureau sent out a warning Monday about the latest phishing scam being used to steal your personal information and hard-earned money.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus in Georgia]

According to the BBB, scammers are reaching out to people through email, direct messages on social media and texts about a fictitious grant from the Federal Trade Commission. They are calling it the “Global Empowerment Fund” or something similar.

The FTC says there is not a program like this of any kind at the moment.

The BBB says government agencies will never contact you that way for any program. They would also never require you to provide financial or personal information like social security or bank account numbers to qualify for a program.

If you or a family member have been contacted, the FTC is asking that you report it at ftc.gov/complaint.

Here are the tips from the BBB on how to spot a phishing scam:

• Be aware of phone fraud. Scammers claim to be calling in an official capacity as a government agent and may either sound friendly and courteous; or aggressive and threatening. The caller ID may match the agency they’re claiming to represent, but this can be easily spoofed. Never feel pressured to act. When in doubt, hang up the phone and call the official source to verify unexpected or unusual claims. You can also reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive by registering your phone number with the National Do-Not-Call registry at 1-888-382-1222 or donotcall.gov.
• Generally, government agencies will send a letter. If the government needs to reach you, they will send you official documentation in the mail.
• Unknown? Leave it alone. Never confirm or give out personal information to unsolicited phone calls, text messages, social media messages, or phone calls. Government agencies DON’T make unsolicited calls.
• Personal information is just that – personal! Do not give out banking and credit card information, birthdate, Social Security or Insurance number, or any other personal, sensitive information to someone that says they are with a government agency. Personal information is like money - protect it from scammers looking to steal your identity or your benefits.
• Scammers prefer unusual and untraceable methods of payment. The government will never ask for wire transfers or to send them a gift card or pre-paid debit card.

BBB: Employment scams are victimizing people already struggling financially In most cases, scammers are the ones to initiate contact with the victims and they?re often reaching out by text or email.

Cox Media Group