OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Better Business Bureau is warning people and businesses about scammers preying on you during the pandemic.
It’s getting more common for people to be called or contacted by criminals pretending to be government officials.
A BBB investigation says they’re changing their pitch. Scammers call claiming to be the IRS and say they can expedite stimulus or grant payments, or they say they’re the CDC and can find out you’ve been exposed to COVID -- all for a fee.
The BBB says government agencies will likely only contact you by mail about something you’re familiar with.
“So tip-offs to the rip-offs on this is if you’re getting a call that’s probably the indicator that’s not legitimate because that’s typically not the way the government is going to reach out to you,” said Jim Hegarty, CEO of the BBB of NE, SD, IA, and KS.
The BBB adds that government officials won’t ask you to send payments, wire transfers, or gift cards.
The Social Security Administration says they do not call citizens, and if you get a call you should be suspicious.
For more information on the study visit: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22775-government-impostors-study
