None of us are strangers to robocalls and scam calls.

Brace yourself for even more unwanted calls.

Historically phone scams increased 50% in March and April, according to 2016-2019 data.

That might be worse in 2020 thanks to the new corona virus.

Health scams

Phone calls pretending to be health organizations about corona virus are on the rise. So are calls claiming to be the FDIC, needing to secure deposited funds.

The corona virus scams are typically robocalls. They are 1 of 2 types.

The first claims it’s the CDC and offers to “reserve” a corona virus vaccination for you. All they need is your Social Security number and/or credit card number.

The other robocall claims to be contacting you with covid-19 test results.

The robot says you have tested positive. It says you need to provide a credit card number to get antibiotics.

Most of us know antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Scammers may amend the recording to say “medication,” but it’s still a scam.

Money scam

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) impersonation calls are happening more, too.

They claim there’s an issue with your deposited funds or your ability to access cash.

The scammers say you need to provide personal information. They might say it is to verify your identity or fix the issue.

The FDIC says they don’t call or send unsolicited messages asking for personal details or money. They also want to remind the public that since 1933 no depositor has “ever lost a penny” of funds they insured.

Robocalls are among the most common method of FDIC impersonation fraud.

How can you stay safe?

Robocalls can spoof phone numbers. It can look like they are coming from an actual medical facility or health organization.

If the real FDIC, government agencies, or health facilities call, they won’t ask for personal information.

Asking for personal details like credit/debit card info, bank accounts, social security number or login credentials is a red flag.

Government agencies won’t demand you pay by gift card, wiring money or digital currency.

Your best bet with robocalls is to not answer the phone in the first place. If you do answer, hang up the phone. Don’t push any buttons. Even if the robot says pushing a button will get you to a live person or delete you from the call list.

Engaging with the robot at all usually leads to more robocalls.

If you’ve been targeted by a scam FDIC call, you can report it to them directly at 877-275-3342 (M-F 8 am-8 pm).

If you receive a corona virus scam call you can report it at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

Not a phone scam

Lexington Police Department and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department have changed their telephone policy due to corona virus health concerns.

LPD and LCSD will now respond to some calls by phone.

This is to protect citizens and law enforcement from the corona virus.

Neither department will be making unsolicited calls to Lexington County residents.

They will not demand payment of fees or fines over the phone.

If you get a call from someone claiming to law enforcement and you haven’t called LPD or LC-SD, it is likely a scammer.

If they start threatening you or demanding payment, definitely so. Especially if they demand gift/pre-paid cards, wire transfer, or electronic currency.

If you have placed a call to law enforcement and get a call you are uncertain about, verify with the department.

The Lexington Police Department non-emergency number is 803-359-6260.

The non-emergency Lexington County Sheriff’s Department number is 803-785-8230.