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COVID-19 scams could be here to stay: How you can stay safe

As we reopen our economies, we could see a spike in COVID-19 numbers. Some scammers are just waiting to take advantage during this time of uncertainty.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As we reopen our economies, we could see a spike in COVID-19 numbers. Some scammers are just waiting to take advantage during this time of uncertainty. 

Advertisements for fake COVID-19 tests, treatments and cures could start circulating online at a rate like we've never seen.

WATCH: THE IRS WILL NOT CALL OR TEXT YOU ABOUT YOUR STIMULUS CHECK

U.S. Attorney Jay Town warns that people are looking to take advantage of your fear during this time. He reminds us, that no legitimate treatment or test would ever be advertised to the public using a phishing email or text. He notes,  you can find FDA approved testing methods and reputable labs on federal websites. 

Click here for more on COVID-19 testing information. 

Attorney Jay Town says these scams might be here to stay. He adds, “This is something that’s going to go on for a while. This is not going to be something that ends when everything opens up. These frauds are going to continue for years.” 

If you get any suspicious COVID-19 emails or texts, remember not to click on the link. 

You can call the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721. 

You can also send screenshots of the scams and report them to the FBI Tipline at  tips@FBI.GOV

To fill out a Disaster Complaint Form to report price gouging, stimulus fraud, Disaster Food Stamps fraud, Small Business Administration fraud and more, click HERE

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