Professor Fraud Warns Consumers about a Rash of Fraud During Pandemic

Governors State University’s William Kresse, a.k.a. Professor Fraud, spoke this afternoon to WGN-TV about rampant fraud in the face of natural disasters, and the current COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.

“The nature of self-quarantine has forced the fraudsters online where the area of fraud, usually limited to the disaster site, has now expanded to a global setting, but the goals of the scams remain the same: 1) convince victims to send money 2) access victims’ username and password 3) convince victims to click on a link to download malware.”

As the methods of fraud change, so must the defenses against them. Provided below are Dr. Kresse’s list of tips for avoid COVID-19 scammers.

1. Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
2. Watch out for emails or phone calls claiming to be from the CDC, WHO or other health authorities saying they have information about the virus. Do not respond. For information go to these sites directly.
3. Ignore offers for test kits, vaccines, devices, etc.
4. Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether charities or crowdfunding sites. Do not get rushed into a donation.
5. Do your homework for stock investments. Look out for “pump and dump” schemes.
6. Monitor children when online.

Watch the interview here.