COVID-19 has affected not only individuals but also businesses. One cannot simply go to your place of work or spend time in the grocery store. Instead, people are advised to stay indoors until this health crisis slows down.

Even businesses around the world needed to adjust big-time. A lot of companies opted for a work-at-home scheme for their employees. Event companies including tent rentals and party rentals have no choice but not to accept event bookings in the meantime.

At the same time, employees and business owners have to adjust to the “new normal”. That is remote working. There are a lot of things to consider in order to get used to working at home. For one thing, it has both pros and cons.

Common online scams in the time of COVID-19

On the one hand, there is still a silver lining regardless of what’s going on right now. Individuals and business organizations alike work hand in hand to help those who are in great need. You can also do your part in keeping yourself and everyone else safe. How? Stay at home as possible.

Meanwhile, you can still be productive at home. But when you’re working at home, you can expect to encounter a lot of things online. That is why companies like Google have implemented measures to ensure everyone’s safety and security online.

Unfortunately, there are still a lot of online scams proliferating the Internet. Even one click can lead to devastating consequences. Here are some common online scams to watch out for during this pandemic (and in the future).

Fake health organizations

There will be these scammers who will pose as health authorities. These fake health authorities will be offering cures for COVID-19. The catch is that you will have to pay for it or have to give your personal account details to get these so-called cures.

Scammer online sellers

These online sellers are usually selling legit and existing products such as sanitizers or face masks. The problem is that the products are either sold at exorbitant prices or never deliver to their customers once they receive the payments.

Fake donation drives

A lot of people initiate donation drives to help those who are in need during this pandemic. Unfortunately, these are also used to dupe other people in the guise of “donations”. That is why you should be careful when giving donations especially if it involves money.

Financial fraud

Some people out there might offer you financial plans that can allegedly help you get through the pandemic. Others might pose as debt collectors with the intention of stealing your personal and financial information.

The reality of working at home

Working at home can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can work while having more time at home with your loved ones. You won’t have to wake up early just to prepare to go to work. Plus, you won’t have to deal with nosy bosses and annoying co-workers.

Lucky are those who are able to work at home. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to work at home. For one, the events industry has been greatly affected by the pandemic. Mass gatherings of all kinds are strictly banned.

Staging and dance floor rentals and outdoor party rentals have to close down for now. Even most weddings have to be postponed. Then again, there are ways events companies can help with this ongoing pandemic.

Staying alert during the pandemic

Life can be a little hard these days due to the ongoing health crisis. But it doesn’t mean we have to let our guard down. In fact, we have to stay alert and cautious especially that online scams are prevalent while we are working or staying at home.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an employee, own party rentals, or a table and chair rentals companies. It is our responsibility to protect ourselves against these online scammers.

• If you receive an SMS from an unknown number, do not respond. Especially if it requires you to click a link or call a specific number.
• If you have received a “robocall” claiming to be the IRS, report it to the authorities and block the number immediately.
• If you received an email claiming to be from the CDC or any legit government organization, do not click any links from it. Double-check the email address. Legitimate websites usually end with .gov, .org, or .com. Check the email for grammatical and spelling errors.

Conclusion

We have to be thankful if we have a place to say during these trying times. More so, for those who are able to keep their jobs as of now. Not everyone may be as fortunate, which is understandable due to the extensive impact of the virus.

Tent rentals in Maryland may not be available for events. However, the events industry can also lend a hand to those who need help during this crisis. In the meantime, we have to stay safe at home and help in any way we can without compromising our health as much as possible.