ALABAMA, USA — It's Consumer Protection Week, and it's important you know how to recognize scams.
AARP says one of the most common ways scammers will contact you is by phone. Scammers may pretend to be from an organization you know or say there's a problem and that you owe money.
Be aware of COVID-19 scams. The pandemic has made it even easier for scammers to take advantage of vulnerable people.
Scammers are offering to get people the COVID-19 vaccine more quickly. The only way to get the COVID-19 vaccine right now is if you are eligible.
Ignore ads claiming vaccines are for sale from an online pharmacy. They are not.
Another common scam to watch out for is people asking for money to help you land a job.
Colleen Tressler with the Federal Trade Commission said, "Scammers are behind many ads for work at home jobs and business offers, especially those planning, you can start making lots of money online if you buy their proven or secret system to help you get started."
Scammers are also emailing, texting, and calling people claiming they have air filters that will remove COVID-19 from the air in your home. The claim is false.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For more information from AARP about how to avoid scams, click here.
For the most up-to-date COVID vaccine information, check out this WZDX story: Alabama COVID vaccine updates
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