The rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the ever-evolving virus variants has created havoc in all aspects of our business and personal lives. The Delta Variant that arose in 2021 threw medical experts for another twist in this fight to manage the virus. Then came the Omicron variant. To make matters worse, the virus itself isn’t the only element invading our lives. Fraudsters have found a whole new avenue to perpetrate schemes and scams.

The Federal Trade Commission has reported that in the United States from January 1, 2020 through December 2021 there have been over 285K covid fraud reports totaling $637M in losses with the median loss being $400. Scams have run the spectrum from online shopping, government imposters and medical testing schemes.

Seniors reported the largest losses related to coronavirus scams. The median loss for those in their 80’s was $1000. Criminals have stolen money via a number of scams: those related to stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, Covid vaccines, fake virus cures and charities, for example. The top complaint categories relate to travel and vacations, online shopping and bogus text messages.

These are just a few of the most prominent schemes that have arisen. During this session, we delve into the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting the world of fraud.

Learning Objectives
  • Explore the COVID scams per Federal Trade Commission.
  • Discover the United Kingdom Impact.
  • Explore Interpol Case example.
  • Identify fraud medical testing schemes.
  • Recognize other COVID Frauds.
  • Discover Fraud Warnings and Tips.
  • Explore U.K. and other Nation COVID frauds.
  • Recognize Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
  • Explore U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Identify Secret Service.
  • Recognize the CARES Act and Payroll Protection Program.
Last updated/reviewed: March 20, 2024
10 Reviews (65 ratings)

Reviews

4
Anonymous Author
Great overview about COVID scams per Federal Trade Commission, the United Kingdom Impact, Interpol Case example, fraud medical testing schemes, Fraud Warnings and Tips that can be applied universally etc.

3
Member's Profile
Interesting subject matter but several review questions were incorrectly graded. The review questions should be reviewed for accuracy and updated. Questions related to the #/$ of scams by age group.

5
Anonymous Author
Another very good and informative course from Lynn with needed updates at this difficult times. Thank you. This information is very useful and should help many of us to avoid being scammed.

4
Member's Profile
This presentation provided good information on what to watch for as well as the agency that are involved.

5
Anonymous Author
I found the course to be very informative. I was not aware of the details from the international front.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overall course to keep in mind as the pandemic continues on and frauds continue to evolve

5
Member's Profile
I appreciated learning more about the covid pandemic and how it relates to the working world

4
Anonymous Author
Great course to learn about COVID related scams. Great for any one interested in this.

5
Anonymous Author
Now we all have to live with COVID being a scam. I knew it was all along. Thank you!

3
Member's Profile
Course was ok. Go ahead and take it if you need the credits.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to COVID Fraud Pandemic10:26
  FTC COVID Scam Alerts and Reports12:46
  United Kingdom Impact11:02
  INTERPOL21:24
  Medical Testing Schemes19:20
  Other COVID Frauds18:36
  Other COVID Frauds Cont'd17:40
  Tips12:12
  United States ARES ACT and PPP6:47
  Government Agencies Actions10:36
  Summary1:52
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  The COVID Fraud Pandemic2:22:41
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
  Slides: The COVID Fraud PandemicPDF
  The COVID Fraud Pandemic Glossary/ IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam