coronavirus scam alertIt’s estimated that more than 325,000 people have been infected.

The official U.S. death toll has passed 63,000, though that figure does not include most people who died of COVID-19 outside of hospitals or who died of the disease but were not tested. Scientists say data on excess deaths in the United States over the past several weeks suggest tens of thousands more have died than the official tally. Meanwhile, more than 95,000 people have already recovered. We’re all going to get through this, together.

Notes from a Survivor

Trevor Mankin, a Lutheran pastor in Seattle, was alarmed at how easily the virus spreads. Although he had worn a face mask and washed his hands thoroughly, both he and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus after Mankin visited a friend. That’s why practicing strict social distancing is so important. Staying home is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 is not like the flu or a bad cold although the illness begins with a fever and fatigue. Many people who get it felt a growing tightness in their chests that leaves them short of breath. About 80% of people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms, a slight fever, a dry cough, and will recover on their own at home. If you are not feeling well, act like you have COVID-19 and stay at home until you’re better.

How to Stop Touching Your Face

Pay attention and break the habit for beauty’s sake. Touching your face causes acne. And, people who touch their faces a lot appear less confident. Become aware of when and why you are touching your face. If you are worried, anxious or bored you may reach for the comfort of your face. Stop. It’s like biting your nails. You can do this! Touch your arms, knees, or shoulders instead. Squeeze a stress ball or other accessory. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first.

Take it seriously, even if you don’t get that sick

Be concerned about the health of those around you. Taking care of yourself will help take care of others, too. No one is immune to COVID-19. This is a great time to reach out to a friend or relative and check in. A phone call, email, or message can help lift someone’s spirits.

Scams and Advice

Herbal remedies, including mixtures of honeysuckle, cinnamon twig, and peony root, may treat flu-like symptoms or boost the immune system, but they cannot treat, prevent, or cure the coronavirus.

Additionally, any “coronavirus-fighting” supplements you see being sold, such as chlorine dioxide solution, high-dosage Vitamin C pack, or colloidal silver, will not keep you from getting COVID-19. If there were a cure for COVID-19, doctors would be aware of it.

Also, drinking water will not kill the virus. Staying hydrated is a good idea, but water is not going to fight or prevent the illness. The intestines actually have more of the virus receptor than the lungs, and would offer a potential route of access to the bloodstream and important organs, so you don’t want to deliberately introduce the virus into the stomach.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is not a treatment for COVID-19. It will not to protect against COVID-19 or fight or prevent an infection.

Instead of wasting your time and money on products that don’t work, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces, avoid touching your face, and if you go out, wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Just Say No

Other scams to watch out for include the sale of blood and saliva from ’COVID survivors.’ Ick! Do you want to catch HIV or Hepatitis?

Pay no attention to email offers and phone calls claiming to expedite payment or even increase the amount on your stimulus check. The IRS has a site for you to check on your payment status.

You might get an email with a subject line that contains your password. When you open the email, a threatening message claiming to be from a hacker says that your webcam has been compromised and that they’ve caught you in a moment of intimacy. Now, it’s time to pay up in Bitcoin, or else the hacker will expose you. That password was compromised in an old data breach. Don’t pay the hacker. Delete the email and change your password.

Tech support hotline scams are hot right now. Research any company before giving out your passwords or any persoanl information. Hackers may also impersonate your company’s help desk, requesting passwords for “verification.” Even if a request sounds legitimate, confirm details by phone.

Vendors selling “coronavirus tests” online are almost certainly a scam. Always consult a physician before taking the test and follow the instructions closely.

Investment fraud is rampant while the stock market is unstable, seducing eager moneymakers with “guaranteed returns” and other optimistic wording. There is no such thing as a no-risk investment.

There are fake Small Business Administration sites that ask for a “down payment” to help you get a government loan. Nope. The only place to apply for government assistance is at SBA.gov.

Fake charities asking for donations. Again, do your research. Find out when the charity was created, is the organization real, is there a phone number, are they accredited or rated? If not, don’t give them a dime.

Surviving Lockdown

Don’t freak out, cut back on the news. Do things that bring you joy. Focus on the positive. Forget hair and beauty appointments. Stop worrying and enjoy this moment, right here, right now.