Unfortunately, there has been an increase in con artists perpetrating new and old scams in the midst of the coronavirus. Beware. Here are some of the common ones:
Stimulus/Government Assistance Scams: The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. Stimulus funds will be sent by check or direct deposit. If someone calls and asks for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card to receive government assistance, they are a scammer. To receive assistance, you must file an application and meet the qualifications for one of the available government grants or SBA loans.
Fake Mandatory COVID-19 Test Scams: Certain scammers pose as employees of a government department and may send a text or email message concerning “mandatory” COVID-19 testing. The message instructs you to click on a link which, the scammer claims, will allow you to complete an online test or register to get tested. In actuality, the link gives the scammer access to your financial, medical and other personal information.
Grandparent/Family Scams: The scammers have instituted a new twist on an old scam during the coronavirus. In this version, the scammer uses an unfamiliar email or phone number and poses as a friend or family member who has contracted the virus and is desperate for money. Refrain from wiring funds or sending a gift card. Instead, contact your relative or friend directly to see what help, if any, they need.
Phony Charities and Crowdfunding: While it is admirable to give donations during a time of such great need, be cautious. Do your homework. Make sure to research where a charitable donation is going and visit the NJ website for more information about the status and requirements for legitimate charities. As for crowdfunding, be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the specific campaign and read all the comments you can relating to the appeal. Don’t be rushed into giving and beware of any campaign that specifies donations must be made in cash, gift card of wired funds!
Be careful and stay healthy!
I was very proud to be represented by Tony and felt secure at a time I needed a compass to head out of a difficult bind. Confidence in your counsel and a sense of security in understanding how best to proceed are important reasons to consider Anthony Kearns and his team of outstanding lawyers.
Tony was excellent! He was knowledgeable, responsive and on-time. His experience as a County Prosecutor definitely helped our case as he knows how the legal system works and how to navigate. I highly recommend Tony and his office.
Thankfully I found Kearns Rotolo Law and I had a wonderful experience working with Charles Rifici on a difficult divorce/child custody issue. I am so grateful for all the work and guidance he provided. He always took his time and diligently went through all my options with me so I could make the decisions that benefitted my family and I. I will be forever thankful for the top notch services he provided.
In March of 2022 I contacted Kearns Rotolo Law Firm with an urgent problem, Mr. Kearns and Mr. Rotolo contacted me immediately to give me hope as to rectify my problem. The end result was Mr Kearns was able to solve my issue through extreme professionalism, I am very grateful I found Kearns Rotolo Law firm and I would recommend their law firm to anyone that has a less extreme problem or a more complex problem, I am very grateful for their services.
I met with Mr. Kearns yesterday about a devastating situation affecting our family. Mr. Kearns and his entire staff made us feel extremely comfortable and showed our family a compassionate side that gave us comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations. Thank you very much. God Bless.