CORONAVIRUS SCAMS!
targeting seniors on the rise
Scammers are exploiting the pandemic, preying
particularly on older adults as they self-isolate to
protect themselves from the virus.
Seniors are receiving calls, texts and emails from
scam artists imitating government agencies, financial
professionals, financial institutions, utility providers,
health authorities, charities and more. In each scam,
the scammer tries to persuade the senior out of their
money and/or personal information.
Self-isolation and fear of the unknown may also be
putting seniors at risk of financial exploitation. Feeling
isolated, they may be more likely to listen to an overly
friendly sales pitch leading to a poor financial decision.
As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in
June, FCNB reminds New Brunswick seniors that
carefulness is key. Watch for the red flags of fraud,
which are common across most scams. Ask questions
before making financial or purchasing decisions. These
are the best defenses against becoming a victim of
financial abuse.
Here are some COVID-19 scams that have
targeted seniors:
• Emails, texts and phone calls encouraging seniors to
apply for COVID-19 government benefits.
• Online romance scams targeting seniors who may be
feeling lonely during the pandemic.
• Community helping scams where the fraudster claims
they are representing a group trying to help socially
isolated seniors.
• Fraudsters posing as CRA officials claiming your
provincial medical benefits have or are running out and
you need to send money to reinstate them or to buy
private medical insurance.
• Scam artists using fear around the current economic
conditions to steal an investor’s money.
• Calls, emails and texts giving medial advice or
requesting urgent action or payment.
• Scammers trying to tug at your heartstrings to scam
you out of “charitable donations.”
• Questionable offers for miracle cures, herbal
remedies, vaccinations and faster testing.
• Fake online ads selling cleaning products or services
to protect from the virus.
• Emails or calls from people threatening to disconnect
your power for non-payment.
Visit FCNB.ca to learn the red flags of fraud and
how to protect yourself from financial abuse. Follow
FCNB on Facebook for regular updates on current
frauds in New Brunswick and subscribe to
our email fraud alerts.
Washing your hands
protects you from COVID-19.
Learning the red flags of
fraud protects you from
COVID-19 scams.
Se laver les mains vous
protège contre la COVID-19.
Détecter les signaux d’alarme
d’une fraude vous protège contre
les fraudes liées à la COVID-19.
Learn the red flags of fraud at FCNB.ca.
Renseignez-vous sur les signaux d’alarme
de la fraude à FCNB.ca.