As a consumer protection law firm we regularly see various scams. There are always some businesses and people that attempt to take advantage of a chaotic situation. Consumers need to know about these scams:

Price Gouging: “Pandemic Profiteers,” Scammers, and unscrupulous businesses that are charging substantially more for products and services than usual in these times are breaking the law. Please contact the Oregon Attorney General if you see it.
Phishing Scams: Scammers are sending emails claiming to be from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) or the WHO (World Health Organization). They want you to click on a file and download it. Also, phishers, hackers, and scammers are going to prey on people that working from hope by sending attachments.
Cures and Vaccines: Scammers are offering cures and vaccines. These are obviously scams, but some have been very successful by seeking “venture capital” to develop a vaccine or cure.
Donations and Crowdfunding: There are all sorts of new crowdfunding sites and apps that are claiming to collect funds for feeding children, medical expenses, and other virus-related issues. However, these sites and charities should be vetted to ensure their legitimacy.

If you or someone you know have been a victim of a consumer scam please call the Oregon Attorney General or Consumer Law Firm Ross Law LLC at 503.224.1658.