COVID-19- Washington State to Clamp Down on Stay-at-Home Scofflaws

People have been complaining about businesses not observing the governor’s stay-at-home order. Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced a three-point program to enforce his order. Enforcement will consist of three phases:

1.     Educate businesses and encourage voluntary compliance.

2.     If education fails, state regulators could cite and revoke their business licenses.

3.     If the business continues violating the order, it can be referred to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office for civil or criminal charges.

People have been calling 911 with their complaints, interfering with calls reporting crimes, medical emergencies, and fires. Officials said that citizens should not call 911 if their sole complaint is a violation of the stay-at-home order. They should use a new online complaint form for stay-at-home violations at,

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/09349a1c56844b539fea1c2cabd16d56

In a related matter, the King County Sheriff’s Office has warned King County citizens about scammers calling residents to tell them that police have a warrant out for the citizen for breaking the quarantine. Like many of these scams, the resident can pay a fine over the phone, this time by giving the scammer their banking information.

While most of us will see through this the shock of hearing the words that a warrant is out for their arrest from a random phone call, some people will become fearful enough to follow the scammer’s demands. And of course, police will not call you to let you know that they have a warrant for your arrest, especially out of the blue. Notice that the procedure announced by Governor Inslee gives violating businesses plenty of notice. By the time court action comes along, a violating business should have a pretty good idea that it is in trouble. Police or even the Attorney General’s Office are not going to call you to demand money.

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/inslee-thousands-are-calling-about-stay-at-home-violators-online-complaint-forms-to-fight-coronavirus/

The Herald:

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/the-governor-warns-of-stepped-up-stay-home-enforcement/

King County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.facebook.com/KingCountySheriff/photos/a.115105788572160/2896004610482250/?type=3&eid=ARA0lrREXx_hNzVMbGGukFkqjAgO7yuys6rB9CIxHiwEpdkVejHLaRXOGSX95wOElehy9GmMX4JFOT5r&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAgG8820uOl1GuBuP5eMGH61VSeegTnGoM3WBL93Yhz30m_iVZHgebe5CoaQ7ufieGeuua7p10F8uH0t9iKESlA42OmFnkWAueUybKMzP3cxgL35aWZLm3pTf4lFC1fhdFlF5VUsanmqnEZQNetMUKeYEhCi-NkXDzF42TcxQTblVxqGEqy0sjzIB2Uoin1MXoNK4IAMmeSM1TB-YG0F7bR6N0kV8X3DjFZ27EzYFmcksKdbhE4IF6Jah_aAjkmfDfAiX2B27PTjjbhnjXvfPDh30Zt7dHNCKhqeZw4WG4UpGHk9Elq1ZGK-wtSGkQzCYF8S-yWa18IeGL4wEf36HjjBQ&__tn__=EHH-R

COVID-19- Caring for Loved Ones

The Washington State Department of Health has set out some guidance on what to do to care for someone who might be at a higher risk of coming down with COVID-19. Its recommendations to help keep them safe include:

·       Contact their health provider to ask about getting extra medications to have on hand in case you and/or your loved one needs to stay home for a prolonged period. If you cannot get extra medications, consider ordering the medications via mail order.

·       Make sure your loved one has plenty of non-perishable food on hand.

·       Have a plan B of someone else to take care of your loved one if you become sick. Also, create an emergency contact list.

The Department of Health also make suggestions on what steps to take to protect yourself and your home which you can find here,

Washington State Department of Health:

https://medium.com/wadepthealth/caring-for-loved-ones-b2ffe1245f10

COVID-19 SCAMS- An Update

The Washington State Department of Health has passed on warnings about scammers trying to take advantage of COVID-19 to consumers.

FDA Alerts Consumers About Unauthorized Fraudulent COVID-19 Test Kits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen “unauthorized fraudulent test kits that are being marketed to test for COVID-19 in the home.” The FDA says that it “…has not authorized any test that is available to purchase for testing yourself at home for COVID-19.”

The FDA warns that fraudulent health claims, tests, and products may keep some people from seeking medical care or delay necessary medical treatment. This can endanger their health.

If you become aware of fraudulent COVID-19 self-tests being marketed, the FDA wants to know. Send them an email at FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov.

Also, there have been reports of robocallers offering free coronavirus tests in the recipient’s local area. In order to find out the location of the testing, the call recipient needs to give over their personal information.



FDA:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-alerts-consumers-about-unauthorized-fraudulent-covid-19-test-kits



Identity Theft Resource Center:

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/coronavirus-testing-robocalls-see-a-spike/



FRAUD ALERT: USDA Warns of Scams Targeting SNAP Recipients.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warns SNAP users (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps) of fraudsters using SNAP to collect personal information.

The USDA cited one example where scammers set up “…a website that asked SNAP recipients to enter their personal and bank account information to qualify for COVID-related monetary assistance.”

The USDA reminds SNAP participants not to give out their social security number, bank information, or their SNAP EBT card or PIN number.



USDA:

https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/fraud-alert-usda-warns-scams-targeting-snap-recipients

COVID-19 SCAMS- U.S. DOJ Investigates Coronavirus Scams in Washington State

Federal Department of Justice (DOJ) authorities are conducting investigations into scams trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington State. So far, DOJ has received 34 complaints about potential coronavirus scams for a total loss of $4,000 in Washington. Officials expect the number of complaints and the dollar amount of losses to grow in the near future.

The types of scams include fake cure scams, home testing scams, and phishing schemes. Scammers are contacting victims through cell phones and personal computers. DOJ officials say that scammers are also downloading ransomware when a victim clicks a malicious link or downloads a malicious document on their smartphone or computer. The scammer then demands to be paid to unlock the victim’s device.

If you are a victim of a coronavirus scam, or encounter a coronavirus scam, DOJ officials encourage you to report it to:

The National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov.

Another potential opportunity for scammers is the upcoming stimulus payments from the federal government. As of this writing, the $2.2 trillion relief bill has not passed the House yet. Specifics remain up in the air on how relief funds will be distributed to the public.

The IRS says that it does not have any specifics on check distribution. It did say that there is no need to sign up for the checks. Check its coronavirus web page,  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus, for updates.

You can expect scammers to send emails, text messages, and via social media with links to “sign up” for the relief checks. And they will be urgent messages to get you to “sign up” before the “money is gone.” Don’t fall for any emails or texts supposedly from the IRS out of the blue. The IRS will not send you an email or text.

With more reports of scammers taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to keep up with scams that are going around. Check the following links for information on coronavirus scams,  

KING TV:

https://www.king5.com/article/news/feds-investigate-growing-numbers-of-coronavirus-scams-in-washington/281-ec4682e6-9fbb-4f7d-b6b9-d7e21af802e3

KIRO TV:

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/ftc-bbb-warn-beware-stimulus-scammers/DPL62NZSBRHLBEG34KLTYPHODM/

U.S. Department of Justice COVID-19 Fraud web page:

https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus

U.S. Department of Justice National Center for Disaster Fraud:

https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud

IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

For a reminder on how to detect a phishing email, check out this link,

Identity Theft Resource Center:

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/spot-a-fake-website/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ITRC_COVID19

COVID-19 SCAMS- WHO Grant Scam

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies have been warning that scammers are in high gear to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), that works with government, businesses and consumers to research and educate the public about identity theft, has sent out a warning about scammers posing as being from the World Health Organization (WHO) offering a $550,000 grant as seen in this text message.

ITRC says that scammers are approaching potential victims with the phishing scam via email, text, and social media.

Clearly, a text, email, or direct message out of the blue, offering a lot of money is not a sincere offer. Don’t click on any links.



Identity Theft Resource Center:

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/world-health-organization-grant-scam-targets-email-text-and-social-media-users/



For tips on how to avoid scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out this link,



Identity Theft Resource Center:

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/is-this-a-covid-19-scam-find-out-with-these-tips/

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Crime Prevention Newsletter, Response to COVID-19

This issue of the Sheriff’s Office’s crime prevention newsletter covers the administrative changes that the Sheriff’s Office has had to make in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also gives advice on what to do if you think you have the symptoms of COVID-19 from the Snohomish Health District and a warning about scammers who are taking advantage of COVID-19.



Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6361

COVID-19 SCAMS- An Update

Reports of scams that are related to the COVID-19 pandemic are increasing. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General has sent out a warning that scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries.

The Inspector General says that scammers are offering COVID-19 tests in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. The scammers make the offers through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits.

In addition to tests, the inspector general’s office has seen scammers offer “Senior Care Packages” that include hand sanitizer or promote a vaccine, which does not exist.

The idea of the scams is to collect your personal information to use in billing federal and state health programs for fake medical services.

In addition, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud notes that it has seen scammers trying to sell fake insurance plans.

One plan claims to be “corona” insurance, while others may say that they have corona coverage provisions.

The coalition also warns people to be careful of calls warning you that your health insurance has been “cancelled.”

Needless to say, hanging up on robocalls and ignoring emails or online ads claiming to offer a vaccine or a cure of COVID-19 is the best action to take.



U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General:

https://oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus/index.asp?utm_source=web&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=covid19-landing-page



Associated Press:

https://apnews.com/6327dd1418365f934200b65f35cd148f



Coalition Against Insurance Fraud:

 https://www.insurancefraud.org/blog/mar-2020/lets-vaccinate-against-corona-insur

COVID-19 SCAMS- Washington Attorney General Sends Out a Warning

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office today issued a press release warning of scammers sending emails and texts to Washington State citizens attempting to take advantage of any potential fear due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The press release showed pictures of an email and a text message that were sent to Washington citizens.

The email claimed to be from the World Health Organization. It also had a by line from “(Fox-News).” Both to lend legitimacy when read quickly. At the end of the email was a link to click on.

Also included was a text message offering $1,000 “to help you through the crisis,” It claims that you have a pre-approved claim. All you have to do is click on the link.

Clicking on the links will insert malware, ransomware, or some other computer virus.

If you receive an unsolicited email or text, look it over carefully before even thinking about clicking on links. Look at the “From.” Hover your mouse curser over the from line to see where the email is really from. Also, look for spelling errors or changes, like “Fox-News” for Fox News or



            “for more information please click link

            Bellow:”



For



            “For more information please click link below:”



The Attorney General’s Office also recommends:

·         Be skeptical — there is no cure for COVID-19.

·         Don’t click on links — they can be malicious.

·         Don’t provide your personal information to unknown sources who may be trying to get your personal or financial information.

·         Don’t donate money without researching who is asking for your money — there are many bogus charities offering to help.

·         Visit trusted resources for legitimate information about COVID-19, like government health departments or your health care provider.

Washington State Attorney General’s Office:

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-warns-scams-related-covid-19

COVID-19- Burglary Concerns

Someone has posted a concern on a local social media site about burglars posing as health officers to gain entry to your house. The story is that they claim that they are at your home to disinfect or sterilize your house from COVID-19.  Supposedly, this has happened in the Chicago area during the COVID-19 situation.

While I have not heard of this ploy being used locally, it does bear some thinking about. With many of us hunkering down at home now, it might seem strange to have a burglar try to steal from your home. Most burglars look for houses that are unoccupied, where they will not encounter the homeowner. After all they don’t want to get caught, nor do they want to get hurt (from the angry homeowner). So, burglaries at home probably should go down. We will see if that happens.

The concern of someone posing as someone else to enter your home is real. Burglars have been known to pose as electric utility workers and other government workers with some excuse that they need to get into your house to inspect something or do some sort of work. Usually it is something that is urgent, and they imply that you must let them in. They may fake an inspection and if there is two people, one will distract you, while the other will go through your house looking for things to take. Or they may go through your house, become familiar with its layout, then come back at another time.

While this ploy may be unlikely, here are some things to do if there is someone unexpectedly at your door claiming to be from the health department (or any other agency):

·         Talk to them. If they spook you, you can talk to them through the door. Not talking to them may be a signal that no one is home and they may break in to take whatever they can.

·         Ask to see their department or company identification.

·         Call their department or company, get the number online, and verify their story. This may take a few minutes to look up on your phone or to go to your computer to look up. If they are not legitimate, they may decide to go someplace else.

For the most part, we probably should concentrate on washing our hands, covering coughs, and keeping social separation while we go through this coronavirus situation. Hopefully, you won’t have to implement the above steps.

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- Rumor of Quarantining Washington State Not True

A rumor has been going around that there is a plan to impose a quarantine in the state. Governor Jay Inslee has issued a strong denial via Twitter.

Early last week, the rumor circulated via Twitter saying that “the PNW is going to be completely quarantined.” The tweet suggested that the reader should get their supplies now because “…when this goes public, people are going to freak out…”

 

KOMO News picked up in this story on Thursday, March 12. After checking with the governor’s office, it passed the word on Twitter that the rumor was false. Other local media outlets have since picked up the story.

Also, Governor Inslee has sent out his own tweet on this subject:

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/coronavirus-daily-news-update-march-14-what-to-know-today-about-covid-19-in-the-seattle-area-washington-state-and-the-nation/

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- Secret Service Warns of Scammers Taking Advantage of COVID-19

The United States Secret Service has added its voice to federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, who have been warning about scammers trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent press release, the Secret Service has noted that it has observed three categories of scams related to the virus:

·         Phishing email schemes that claim to be from legitimate medical or health organizations with email attachments that claim to have important information about COVID-19. Of course, opening the attachment, or clicking on a link, may insert malware onto your computer.

·         Cyber criminals have been using social engineering to claim to be a charity supporting some aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic through social media or via a web page.

·         Cyber criminals are advertising online that they have medical supplies for sale that prevent or protect against COVID-19. The criminals demand payment up front or initial deposits then fail to complete delivery of the promised products.

Clearly, watching out for any attempts to take your money or steal your private information is important now. Don’t give your personal information to anyone who calls or emails you. Check out charities with the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office. Beware of offers of products that the seller claims will protect you from COVID-19.



United States Secret Service:

https://www.secretservice.gov/data/press/releases/2020/20-MAR/Secret_Service_Coronavirus_Phishing_Alert.pdf

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- Hackers Using Coronavirus Dashboard to Spread Malware

Hackers are using a Johns Hopkins University produced dashboard, with a map that depicts the spread of COVID-19 around the world, to spread malware.

According to Krebs on Security, a kit is being offered for sale on several Russian language cybercrime forums that hijacks the map. While the viewer is seeing real data collected by the dashboard, the inserted malicious code adds malware to your computer.

The malware is a “Trojan stealer” call AZORult that collects information from infected computers such as browser history, login credentials, cookies, and files from folders.

This is a case of being careful where you click to get your information on COVID-19. Often scams like this rely on an email phishing campaign, so be careful about clicking on file attachments or links in emails.

Snopes has verified that the true web address for this informative dashboard is-

            https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

It points out that the site is safe if you access it from the above web address. There is no need to download any software to access the map.



  

Krebs on Security:

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/03/live-coronavirus-map-used-to-spread-malware/comment-page-1/#comments



Snopes:

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/johns-hopkins-coronavirus-map/?fbclid=IwAR2-XPDK66QVzO3DkKcxC4K_ScaDQuw2xKXg9x-ZTwsgvdIqLqQThvv-Lz4

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- FTC and FDA Warn 7 Companies of Misleading Claims

Over the past week or so we have been experiencing information overload on COVID-19. Scammers take advantage of situations like this to exploit fear, apprehension, and concern to make false claims and take our money.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) “…have sent warning letters to seven companies allegedly selling unapproved products that may violate federal law by making deceptive or scientifically unsupported claims about their ability to treat coronavirus (COVID-19).”

The companies advertise teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver claiming that they can treat or prevent coronavirus. The FDA points out that there are currently no approved vaccines, drugs, or other products that can treat or prevent the virus.

The agencies sent letters to the following companies:

·         Vital Silver

·         Quinessence Aromatherapy

·         Negetics

·         GuruNanda, LLC

·         Vivify Holistic Clinic

·         The Jim Bakker Show

The warning letters show that both the FTC and FDA are closely watching the situation and will take action if they see any individuals or companies taking advantage of consumers during this COVID-19 crisis. The most likely next step, if the companies continue with their misleading advertising, is civil action in court against them. Any potential criminal action would be referred to the U.S. Justice Department.

While the FTC and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office have warned of scammers taking advantage of the crisis this is the first instance of any federal or state government agency taking any action against potential scammers related to COVID-19. Also, while neither local media outlets nor any local governments have yet to report similar scams in Washington State it is important for you to be on guard against such scammers.

You can protect yourself by ignoring any advertisements via email, on the web, or other media outlets for vaccinations, treatments/cures, or prevention products related to COVID-19

For more information, check out the following links,



Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headlines

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/03/ftc-fda-send-warning-letters-seven-companies-about-unsupported



Washington State Attorney General’s Office:

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-statement-covid-19-scams

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- Working from Home Cyber-securely

With more and more companies encouraging their employees to work from home due to the coronavirus, securing your business computer and the information on it and the information that is communicated between it and your company’s servers becomes more important.

Scammers and hackers will try to break into your computer to steal your company’s information.

The National Cyber security Alliance has several recommendations to protect your company’s information when working from home which are located at this link,  



National cyber Security Alliance:

https://staysafeonline.org/press-release/ncsa-encourages-coronavirus-vigilance/

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS-

Over the last few days, the local press and social media have been flooded with information about the coronavirus. Given developments over the weekend with an increase in detected Covid-19 patients as well as the reports of deaths in King and Snohomish Counties, health professionals expect more people to be detected with the virus potentially affecting schools, work areas, sporting events, and other gatherings.

Health care professionals point out that while COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease it appears that people in good health, without an underlying health condition may catch the virus but will recover. Those who may be in danger of severe sickness or death are older people with an underlying health condition.

The virus can be spread through person to person contact via respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes within 6 feet. It can also spread by touching infected surfaces or objects such as commonly touched railings, doorknobs, keyboards, etc. and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Local health districts have been sending messages with recommendations on how we can prevent coming down with the virus. Much of the advice is common sense actions that apply to common sicknesses such as influenza. You probably have heard or read the recommendations to,

·          Wash your hands with soap frequently for 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer instead of soap. One health department official has recommend washing your hands before eating.

·         Keep you hands away from your face. The idea is that the virus can be on your skin without hurting you, but if it gets inside your body then you will be sick.
·         If you are sick, stay home.
·         Consider not going to places that have large crowds.

With the expectation of more people becoming sick with COVID-19, it is prudent to take steps to prepare your household for a member of your family to come down with COVID-19. Some things you can do to help yourself survive the virus or a precautionary quarantine include,

·         Make an emergency plan of action with your household members, relatives, and friends.
·         Decide who will pick up and watch children if schools or child-care facilities are closed, or if children get sick.
·         Have emergency supplies like nonperishable food, water, personal hygiene supplies, and medicine or other medical supplies available in your home – enough to last your household for at least 14 days.
·         Make a list of emergency contacts as well as a list of medical conditions and medications for household members.
·         Set up a separate room in the household for someone who is sick and clean the room regularly. Clean, disposable facemasks may be useful for the individual who is sick. Masks are not recommended as a prevention measure for COVID-19 for people who are well.
·         Know your neighbors or friends in the area and be ready to support each other during an emergency. Check in on those who live alone or have underlying health conditions and may need extra support. If you live alone, talk to your friends and family members about who would be available to check in on you if you become sick.

What are the symptoms of this coronavirus and what should I do if I get sick? Symptoms may not be much different from a common cold or a flu. Symptoms can be mild to severe. Look for fever, cough and shortness of breath.

If you get sick,

·         Call your regular doctor for advice. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are very sick. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
·         Stay home when sick.
·         Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
·         Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

A goal of public health professionals in handling the spread of this virus is to limit contact of people who have the virus with those who do not and especially limit their contact with those who might be susceptible to severe illness.

This is a fast-moving situation. While serious, care needs to be taken to act on provable facts and not rumors.

For the latest information check out the following organizations:



Snohomish County Health District:
https://www.snohd.org/484/Novel-Coronavirus-2019

Public Health- Seattle & King County:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/FAQ.aspx

If you have questions about the COVID19 coronavirus you can call the COVID19 Hot Line (Washington State Department of Health)- (800) 525-0127.

Washington State Department of Health:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html

WHO:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019