Reprinted from the Star-Telegram

Fort Worth area consumers and others are being targeted by scammers who are using the coronavirus pandemic to gain personal information so they can rob those residents blind, authorities caution.

These con artists are calling and sending emails or messages to people offering cures for COVID-19 or free coronavirus testing, or they ask for donations to help a charity that helps coronavirus victims, according to a fraud alert video from the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.

 “Don’t click on the link,” the video says. “It will take you a malicious website and capture your private and financial information to steal your identity and your money.”

 If you do click on a malicious link or respond to a call or message, you may be directed to a person who will inquire about your personal financial information. Scams are proliferating on the Internet, and if you are contacted by one of these con artists, you should report that information to the FBI’s internet crime center.

 “Be suspicious of anyone selling products that claim to prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19,” the video says.