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SALT LAKE CITY — Scammers are trying to cash in on current widespread concern over Ebola.
Many Americans are worried about the virus. In fact, Bloomberg reports sales for protective gear such as nitrile gloves, face masks, respirators, even fluid-resistant gowns, are booming.
One way scammers try to cash in is through bogus protective gear they claim will prevent, treat or even cure the potentially deadly disease. But they're really trying to get you to hand over your credit or debit card information so they can steal your identity.
Fraudsters also are targeting people through phony video links that pop up in Facebook and other places. They look like some sort of breaking news about Ebola. But the Better Business Bureau warns the links will download vicious malware, infecting your computer system.
Also, whenever calamity strikes, fraudsters try to get people to donate to their fake charities. It’s no different for Ebola, so consumers should watch out for obscure nonprofit groups. The public can check a nonprofit by looking at the "exempt organizations" tab on IRS.gov.
