BEWARE OF THESE CORONAVIRUS EMAIL SCAMS
They are Still Around!
While it seems like the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic might be behind us, that does not mean we should let our guard down completely — especially when it comes to internet scams designed to prey on the fear and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. It is no surprise that scammers have found ways to use the coronavirus scare as an opportunity to steal personal information from the vulnerable. Fortunately, you can spot coronavirus scammers using the same techniques that help identify otherwise run-of-the-mill phishing scams. REQUESTS FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION When the federal government started distributing relief checks, several scammers sent out unsolicited emails, disguised as legitimate instructions, asking for personal information from people in order to receive their $1,200. Since many people have now received their checks, this particular scam may become less common, but always be suspicious of emails that ask for personal information, no matter the circumstances. SUSPICIOUS LINKS AND EMAIL ADDRESSES During the past few months, people’s email inboxes have been littered with advertisements for fake coronavirus tests and cures, fake alerts from
government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and fake coronavirus updates. If you get an email containing an unusual link in your inbox, do not click on it — even if the email address looks legitimate. Scammers use links to spread malware on computers, which helps them get your personal information. SPELLING AND GRAMMAR MISTAKES This is usually a dead giveaway. While genuine, official updates about the coronavirus will be meticulously checked for spelling and grammar, scammers are not as careful. Missing periods, misspelled words, and wacky syntax errors are all hallmarks of scam emails. Make sure you carefully read any email you are not sure about. If you can spot spelling and grammar mistakes, delete the email. Much like the coronavirus will remain in the American psyche long after cases and deaths have peaked, scammers will continue using it as a means to steal from honest, hardworking Americans. But, if we keep our guard up, we can make sure they get absolutely nothing from their efforts.
A POWERFUL ESTATE PLANNING LESSON
THE VITAL ROLE OF A HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY Who Will Speak for You if You Get Sick?
The coronavirus pandemic feels a bit like a sword hanging over all of our heads. At least once in the last few months, odds are you have let the worst- case scenario play out in your mind and found yourself wondering, “What happens if I get sick?” Even before COVID-19, we dealt with this question regularly during the estate planning process. Tragedies like cancer, heart attacks, and other illnesses and conditions incapacitate people every day, which is why it is vital that you review and update your health care power of attorney on a regular basis. WHAT IS A HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY? A health care power of attorney is a legal document authorizing a person you select to speak and act on your behalf regarding health care matters. This should be a person you trust to handle your affairs, make decisions, and carry out your wishes when you are incapable of speaking for yourself. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? If you contract COVID-19, you could end up with a range of symptoms, but one of the most common is shortness of breath. Sometimes, this can become serious enough to
require a ventilator, which can block communication. If this happened to you, you would need to rely on your health care power of attorney to speak for you.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE UPDATED? As a general rule, we encourage our clients to review
their documents every year. But with circumstances the way they are, it would be wise to check your health care power of attorney more frequently, at least once per season until the pandemic is over. If you have had your health care power of attorney for months, years, or even decades without updating it, consider this your reminder! Things change over time, and the last thing you want is to have a designated health care power of attorney who is now deceased or no longer appropriate in an antiquated document.
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