Coronavirus loan scam emails are hitting inboxes across the country. You may see messages promising instant cash relief with business…
Coronavirus loan scam emails are hitting inboxes across the country. You may see messages promising instant cash relief with business or personal loans, but some of these enticing come-ons are scams.
Loan scams are one of the ways cybercriminals are persuading unassuming consumers to share their personal data.
“There is an increase in phishing scams and loan scams, including cybercriminals acting like they are a bank, the Social Security Administration or CDC,” says Henry Bagdasarian, founder and chief identity officer of the Identity Management Institute, a cybersecurity training and certification group.
Consumers and businesses should be on alert for loan scams and remain vigilant during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know about spotting and avoiding loan scams related to COVID-19.
[Read: Best Small Business Loans.]
What Coronavirus Loan Scams Are Happening Now?
The Federal Communications Commission has warned consumers and businesses about coronavirus scams, typically phishing attempts by phone, email or text. Scams detected by the FCC include:
— A text from a phony FCC Financial Care Center offering $30,000 in COVID-19 relief
— Robocalls pitching student loan repayment plans
— Small businesses getting calls and emails…
