ORLANDO, Fla. – There has been a lot of government talk about trade wars, tariffs and inflation.
Unfortunately, scammers are using this confusion to trick people into believing they can claim money in tariff relief, according to Sharon Blatt Cohen, a cybersecurity expert with Guardio, an online protection company focused on protecting consumers’ digital lives.
Scammers are running fake ads on social media claiming people can get $5,600 in tariff relief, according to Blatt Cohen.
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods and services imported from other countries.
The Trump administration has talked heavily about tariffs.
But Cohen said the fake websites are a ploy to get your information.
“That’s eventually what they’re after – either information for identity theft or money, but also identity theft is led to finance eventually,” Blatt Cohen said.
These ads often claim tariffs have spiked the cost of living and that relief is available to help those struggling.
Guardio has also found links to fake websites claiming all Americans will receive $1,200 to $1,400 in monthly subsidies for rent, gas and groceries.
Another fake site claims a $750 tariff relief credit is now available to U.S. shoppers, supposedly backed by China.
Guardio’s technology flagged the site as malicious.
Blatt Cohen advises consumers to think carefully before clicking on any online transaction or link.
“It’s always a good idea to just take a second and think about what brought me here. How did I get here? Did I click something?” she said.
Consumers should also be cautious of emails and text messages making similar claims.
Blatt Cohen warns: don’t engage, just delete.
Remember, don’t fall for these schemes and don’t get ripped off. If you do, you email me at LBolden@wkmg.com.
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