Dr. Joyce Urges Caution on Coronavirus-Related Scams

Altoona, PA Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) issued the below statement on the importance of guarding against malicious scams during the coronavirus crisis. Bad actors are using a variety of methods, including imposter fraud, to target Americans. Recently, Instagram quickly removed a scam imposter account claiming to be Dr. Joyce.

"It is despicable that bad actors are using the coronavirus crisis to prey on vulnerable Americans. In these difficult and uncertain days, I encourage Pennsylvanians to take extra care to guard against scams and fraud.

"As demonstrated by the imposter account using my likeness, bad actors can craft realistic-appearing scams to target unsuspecting victims. By being vigilant and discerning fact from fiction, all of us can take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones especially our seniors from the malicious criminals who are taking advantage of this pandemic."

Importantly, Dr. Joyce and his staff will never ask constituents to share their personal information, including banking details, with them over social media posts.

Criminals are using malicious phone calls, emails, and social media posts to target vulnerable Americans, including our seniors, during this outbreak. If Pennsylvanians believe they have been targeted in a coronavirus-related scam, they should report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.org/complaint.

To combat coronavirus-related scams, all of us should learn these tips from the FTC, which include:

• Hang up on robocalls. Don't press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
• Know who you're buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don't.
• Don't respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. To check the status of your Economic Impact Payment, use the Get My Payment resource from the IRS.
• Don't click on links from sources you don't know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), or other experts saying they have information about the virus.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time.
• Be wary of ads for test kits. The FDA just announced approval for one home test kit, which requires a doctor's order. But most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA and aren't necessarily accurate.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don't let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don't do it.

To report a suspected scam to the FTC, please visit ftc.org/complaint. The FTC has additional details about coronavirus-related and other consumer protection information on its website at FTC.gov/coronavirus.

For questions about a rumor or other questionable information found on the internet or elsewhere, please utilize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rumor control resource. Additional information is available at FEMA.gov/coronavirus.

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