Scammers are taking advantage of COVID-19 fears by selling fake products online and using false emails to collect your money and personal information. These emails or phone calls may seem to be from trusted resources but are really attempts to get your personal information.

The San Mateo County District Attorney in partnership with the County Health's Aging & Adult Services produced a video to warn residents about scammers who are actively using the COVID-19 crisis to take advantage of unsuspecting members of the community. Types of scams the District Attorney's Office is hearing about include fraudulent and nonexistent products and services such as vaccines and cures, house cleaning services, air filters, fake charities, and test kits as well as stimulus check scams. The video presentation also provides a list of trusted resources and tips for seniors and their families on how to protect themselves from scammers.

Be on the lookout for emails and other messages with claims about vaccines, home test kits, investment opportunities and more. Visit San Mateo County’s COVID-19 Scams page. Also, the California Attorney General’s Office page has helpful COVID-19 consumer information and resources about false advertising alerts, identifying registered charities as well as privacy tips.