Chinanews.com.cn, March 20th. According to the Canadian "Ming Pao Daily", as the new crown pneumonia epidemic in Canada became more severe, some people took the opportunity to cheat money. There are a lot of scammers' scamming methods, including providing free masks through text messages, and phone calls to test results.
By far, the most common newcomer virus scam in Canada is text messages from the Red Cross claiming to provide free masks.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Royal Mounted Police Officer Jeff Thomson said the information contained a fake link to the Red Cross website. When the victim entered the link, he asked the person to pay on the website, claiming that it could be used as a donation or as a payment for the delivery of masks.
The Canadian Red Cross has confirmed that no such text messages or emails will be sent and recommends that those who receive such text messages or emails delete them immediately.
In addition, some citizens reported receiving phone calls and voicemails from scammers posing as public health agencies. The scammer said in those calls that the person's coronavirus test was positive and that to obtain a prescription, the scammer must be provided with his credit card number and medical card number. But true public health officials will not ask patients for credit card information.
There are also scammers selling fake disinfection services or fake new crown virus testing equipment. However, only hospitals and public health agencies have the right to perform the new coronavirus test at no cost, and no other test is authentic or guaranteed.
Finally, scammers also send emails pretending to come from the World Health Organization or the Public Health Agency of Canada, with links designed to provide the organization with the most up-to-date information on the new crown virus pandemic.
But Thomson said don't click on the links, as the site may try to trick citizens into providing personal information. Conversely, if citizens want to find relevant information, they should go to the official website of the federal government.
Thomson also warned that more scams might emerge in the coming days and weeks.
The Anti-Fraud Center noted that coronavirus fraud has occurred across the country. Before anyone can share personal information over the phone or click on a link related to New Crown Virus, stop and think about it.