This blog post was first published in https://blog.vesicash.com/common-coronavirus-scams-to-avoid-online/

Away from how the pandemic has affected human interaction and traditional ways of handling business, there have been certain reports of an increase in online scams, especially those closely associated with the current situation in the world.

Let us examine some of the common scams linked to Coronavirus and how to avoid falling victims:

Using websites to sell fake goods

Dishonest individuals have used the opportunity of the COVID-19 pandemic to set up websites claiming to sell high demand goods like hand sanitizers and WHO recommended masks that never arrive.

Some even go to the extent of putting up drugs that can cure the virus up on their walls for sale- unsuspecting people who have been eager to get a cure.

To avoid falling victim, it is in your best interest to always visit known and trusted ecommerce platforms for purchase (do not buy drugs that haven’t been certified) and also use escrow for all online transactions.

Fake bank reps calling to request for account details

This sounds familiar, right? – a husky voice calling and claiming to be the representative of your bank and then proceeding to either say your ATM Card has been blocked or that the Bank Manager asked that you update your bank details.

Do not fall for it! Your bank will never ask for sensitive details like BVN or Card expiry dates and Security.

Never be in a rush to provide these details to strangers- you aren’t meant to disclose them to anyone so do not fall victim to scammers waiting to swindle you of your hard-earned money.

Enticing messages from ‘government sources’

This period is one that has people looking out for palliatives and would be quick to click any link that would direct them to where to get it.

Most of these scam messages contain links that require you to enter your account details or share with a certain number of groups before you get your ‘gift from the government’.

Do not click these links and do not share them with other unsuspecting internet users. The government will not ask you to enter your details through those links.

‘Safe’ and ‘guaranteed’ investment platforms

This is a tough time for everyone, no doubt and we will always be piqued by any financial service that aims at improving our earnings but this can be a tricky venture.

Hackers and scammers need money as much as you do and would stop at nothing to rob you of your meagre savings in the name of investments.

Before you send your money to that website that promises you a high return rate within the hour, make sure you are not contributing your shillings into someone else’s dollar account. Be alert and do not be too covetous so that you don’t fall into the hands of fraudsters that would stop at nothing to milk you dry.

Scam websites claiming to help you work remotely

Freelancers aren’t left out of the fangs of online scams- many have fallen into the hands of clients that would make you deliver but disappear when it’s time to pay.

I know that you want an extra source of income for your creativity but do not be in a hurry to accept freelancing deals from websites you don’t trust.

To guarantee that you work and get paid, Vesicash Escrow services will make sure that your payment is safely secured in a trust account so that you get paid once you deliver.

Conclusion
It is important to take caution especially in this period where people are looking for all means to defraud others and have resorted to scams.

Do not rush to release your bank details, do not click on links from untrusted sources and most importantly, always use escrow service for all online payment to avoid stories that touch. Stay safe, stay alert, and stay careful.

Visit www.vesicash.com for more information on how escrow service works.