Katrina's Travels

I'm going to depart from my series of travel-related posts to make a public service announcement.

Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities sent out a warning today about pandemic-related scams. Their list of scams to watch for includes the following types:

• Purporting to raise capital for companies manufacturing surgical masks and gowns; producing ventilators and medical equipment; or manufacturing vaccines or other miracle cures.



• Taking advantage of concerns with securities market volatility to promote “safe” investments with “guaranteed returns” including investments tied to gold and other commodities; oil and gas; and real estate.



• Touting “get rick quick” schemes with quickly earned returns to be used for rent, utilities, and other expenses.



• Targeting retirees and senior citizens, falsely claiming they can quickly and safely recoup any losses to their retirement portfolios.

Beyond what they list, I've heard of scams offering at-home COVID-19 tests and supposed cures.


If you know anyone who is vulnerable to being scammed, please pass this on. Too many people who are elderly and easily confused, or just plain gullible, fall for these scams and lose money they need to live on. When everyone is scared and having to live outside their normal routines, the vulnerable tend to be even more vulnerable than usual.