Be Vigilant. Rochester Police Warn Public of Scams about COVID-19

Stay on guard. Times of crisis bring out the best of most of us but the worst of others. Some individuals will prey on the innocent and the afraid during times of crisis and reporting from Fosters.com says Rochester Police Chief Paul Toussaint is warning his residents to be on the lookout and report any scams. Police are warning residents to be wary of those requesting donations or selling products that claim to cure, prevent or detect the virus.

Officials go on to further warn residents not to submit to testing by door to door solicitors or from people that may approach them at grocery stores or any other community venue. Be wary of any phone calls you receive where the caller asks for personal information such as a social security number or Medicare numbers. Fosters.com goes on to warn residents that if a testing kit is sent to you in the mail, alert local authorities and return the kit to the sender.

The New Hampshire’s U.S. Attorney’s Office also offers specific tips to protect yourself from fraud. Watch out for high-priced or low-quality products, report any retailers that over-inflate prices. “Beware of false or misleading information being spread online.” Follow only the guidelines from trusted sources such as the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and N.H. Department of Health and Human Services.