Scammers may attempt to use your concerns related to COVID-19 to get personal information from you or to gain access to your accounts. Beware of fraudulent websites, phone calls, emails, and text messages claiming to offer important COVID-19 information or help. Protect your financial and personal information. Never give out your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, or other personal information. You should never provide any bank account details, credit card numbers, or other personal information over the phone unless you originated the contact with the other party and you know that the entity is reputable. Note: Government agencies will never call you to request your personal information.
You should decline requests to cash a check for someone in exchange for a fee. Even if the bank provides you with immediate credit, the check could be fraudulent. When a check is returned as fraudulent, the money is removed from your account. The CFPB publication Money Smart for Older Adults Resource Guide (PDF) provides valuable information.
The Federal Trade Commission has tips to protect yourself from possible COVID-19-related scams. Report a matter of fraud or scam to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline at (800) 359-3898, option #6.