SocialCatfish.com, the identity verification nonprofit, reported U.S. losses from COVID-19 fraud and ID theft have reached nearly $100 million since the pandemic emerged in March, according to Reuters.
A report by the California-based agency, whose mission is to prevent consumers from being defrauded online by learning the identity of individuals or organizations, revealed the number complaints about coronavirus scams has doubled in most states.
The survey, based on government data, put a spotlight on the depth of what it called a fast-growing criminal enterprise that includes everything from phony stimulus check offers to shopping scams and fake COVID-19 cures that prey on distressed Americans.
The five most targeted states by the scams include the ones with the biggest populations: California, Florida, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania.