Affordable Connectivity Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is now the Affordable Connectivity Program. Consumers looking for information on how eligible households can qualify and enroll can find it by visiting ACPBenefit.org.
Phone Hygiene
Your mobile phone may be the item you touch the most throughout the day. Use these simple tips to keep your device clean.
Home Network Optimization
Since working and studying from home is the new normal for millions of Americans, learn how you can optimize your home network during the pandemic.
Video Conferencing
As you connect online to work, learn, or gather with family and friends, follow these tips to help keep your video conference secure.
Sample Delivery Scam Text
Text Message
Today 9:34 AM
Hi, we are having issues releasing
your package
Please update shipping directions
ca.trcck.com/.1ebf9d
Reply Stop to Opt Out
Test Kit Phone Scam Audio
Audio transcript: ...[The Coronavirus] Response Act has made coronavirus testing more accessible immediately. If you want to receive a free testing kit delivered overnight to your home, press 1. If you do not want your free testing, press 2. (Audio source: YouMail)
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, identity thieves and imposter scammers use text messages and robocalls to prey on consumers' virus-related fears.
- Scammers are still trying to swindle consumers or steal valuable personal or financial information through vaccine scams. Get tips to avoid these scams.
- COVID-19 text scams may falsely advertise a cure or offer bogus tests. Learn more and see examples of scam texts.
- Robocall scams have focused on health and financial concerns connected to COVID-19. Learn more and listen to actual scam audio.
- With the increase in online shopping, delivery notification scam calls and texts are also on the rise. Find out what to watch out for.
- Fraudsters are trying steal insurance information, money or both. Get tips to avoid offers for bogus COVID-19 antibodies tests or pharmacy scams.
- Contact tracing has become another ploy used by scammers. Learn about the tell-tale signs of a scam.
- Coronavirus scammers are targeting older Americans. Get information to share with seniors and their families.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment apps help consumers avoid contact with vendors, but missteps in P2P app use can be costly. Find out what you can do to avoid being scammed.
Tips for Avoiding COVID-19 Scams
- Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
- Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
- Be cautious if you're being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
- Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
- Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren't hacked.
- Always check on a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating. (Learn more about charity scams.)
If you think you've been a victim of a coronavirus scam, contact law enforcement immediately. File coronavirus scam complaints online with the Federal Trade Commission.
For more information about scam calls and texts, visit the FCC Consumer Help Center and the FCC Scam Glossary.
The FCC has continued to process informal consumer complaints throughout the pandemic. View data, by category, for informal consumer complaints related to COVID-19 and the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Learn more about the FCC response to the pandemic at fcc.gov/coronavirus.
ASL Video COVID-19 Consumer Scams