The Coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic health impact on Americans, in addition to leaving many unemployed and uninsured. As a result, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has...
News Archive
Protection & Security
We are committed to educating our community members about scams targeting seniors in Santa Clara County; as well as providing up-to-date information offering protection against such scams. This page offers timely data about scams reported, steps to take when targeted, and how to avoid these scams. Guidance is made available as scams are identified.
Receive updates on identified scams targeting seniors by visiting the national database: fraud.org.
County Warns of Scammers Sharing Unofficial Sources on COVID-19 Vaccines
Santa Clara County officials advised that there has been a lot of misinformation on the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine being shared within the community. Some community members have reported to the County that they received text messages...
Be Alert for Phishing Scammers Impersonating Legitimate Organizations
When internet fraudsters mimic a legitimate business to trick consumers into giving out their personal information, it is called “phishing.” It is not just a problem for consumers but also for the companies the scammers are impersonating. Information about this...
Be Alert for “Coronavirus Utility Company Scams”
Every day, millions of individuals who have lost their jobs are finding it difficult to pay their bills. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, scammers are taking advantage of people’s heightened economic anxiety. The latest strategy circulating is where scammers...
Be Alert for “Coronavirus Mask Exemption Card Scam”
To help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many states require people to wear face coverings in places open to the public. There are cards circulating online and on social media that says the card holder has a disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask,...
Medicare Fraud Alert: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
As the novel 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-2019) spreads locally and worldwide, people’s concern and anxiety are high. This has created a situation ripe for fraud with multiple new COVID-19 scams targeting seniors. The California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is warning...
Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning the public against common scams happening during the COVID-19 pandemic noting that scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’ve shared the following tips on protecting yourself from these...
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
The FTC shares that they have been seeing more scams and provide steps you can take to protect yourself, your personal information, and your wallet. Undelivered goods: Online sellers claim they have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, health and medical...
FTC & FDA Warns Sellers of Fraudulent Coronavirus Treatments
The FTC and FDA have jointly issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver. The FTC says the companies have...
Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Medications
America’s healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and many Americans look for ways to save, including turning to online pharmacies for cheaper prescription drugs. While there are legitimate online pharmacies, many can be fraudulent. In one situation, the online pharmacy...