Beware Pandemic-Related Scams

AARP Delaware is pushing for changes to state law that would add price gouging during a national emergency and consumer fraud on social media to the definition of “unfair business practices.” 

The pandemic has increased fraud risks, such as scams involving theft of unemployment insurance, vaccine cons and COVID-related charity schemes. 

In 2020, Delaware had the second-highest rate per capita of consumer fraud in the nation, according to the Federal Trade Commission. 

It collected 10,970 fraud complaints in the state last year. The median loss was $400. Identity theft made up 29 percent of the complaints. 

Protect yourself by going to the AARP Fraud Watch Network, at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.