Causey urges residents to be on guard against COVID-19 scams
RALEIGH — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud in urging residents to be on guard against scammers preying on fears related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Crooks will stop at nothing to scam the public, including using the coronavirus as a means of stealing your money, or worse your personal identity,” Causey said. “If you get an unsolicited visit, call or email offering “corona” insurance, free or low-costs tests, or seeking personal information, it’s best to close the door, hang up, or exit out of the email and notify the authorities.”
The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud has identified the top five coronavirus – or COVID-19 – scams:
1. Fake “corona” insurance. Fake health insurance agents may try to sell low-priced insurance to cover coronavirus treatment. Most standard health insurance policies provide coverage for coronavirus treatment. If you receive one of these calls, simply hang up on the caller or robocall.
2. Canceled heath insurance. Beware of bogus calls warning you that your health insurance was canceled. These scammers may give you a tollfree number to call or you may be urged to click on a link in an email. Clicking on the link could result in the scammer installing malware on your electronic device. Most of these are attempts to steal your personal information. If you have a question regarding your health insurance, call the number on your insurance card.
3. Corona medicines and tests. Scammers are peddling fake vaccines, drugs, all-natural or organic treatments that are “insured and paid for” by your health insurance policy. The novel coronavirus is new. There is no known cure yet.
4. Senior scams. Beware of free virus tests at senior centers, health fairs or in your home. These scammers might ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number or other information to steal your medical or personal identity. Talk to your doctor or local health department if you think you need a test. Call your health insurer to answer any coverage questions.
5. Bogus travel insurance. Be wary of pitches for travel insurance that claim to cover coronavirus-related trip cancellations. Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover viral outbreaks or pandemics unless you are sick or if you have an expensive “cancel for any reason” policy. Know what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
If you have questions, you may speak to a consumer specialist at the N.C. Department of Insurance by calling 855-408-1212. To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.
First 3 homes sold at Chatham Park
PITTSBORO — Pre-sales for Chatham Park’s first residential homes started March 19 and three homes were sold in the opening weekend. The houses are a product of Fresh Paint by Garman Homes, a Cary-based home-builder and the first residential builder to partner with Chatham Park in this project.
“We’re working with partners like Fresh Paint by Garman Homes to build, what our future residents will consider to be, the perfect community,” said Vanessa Jenkins, Executive Vice President of Preston Development Company, who is developing Chatham Park. “These first homes are a reflection of the community-centric approach we’re taking in Chatham Park which will allow residents to walk or bike to everything they need: work, grocery stores, doctors offices, yoga studios, restaurants, concert venues, movie theaters and breweries. Chatham Park will be unlike anything the Triangle has ever seen.”
The Cottages range from 828-1,397 sq. ft., with single story and two story plans, and are priced from the low $200’s. All homes will open to community space and provide access to Chatham Parks’ integrated greenway system connecting residents to everything Chatham Park and the Town have to offer.
All of the Cottages will be walking distance from historic downtown Pittsboro and across The street from a new 10 acre town park being built by Chatham Park and a new campus of Thales Academy.
The Cottages will be move-in ready by October 2020 and available for viewing at the Triangle Parade of Homes next fall.
Chatham County 4-H creates an Educational Activities and Resource Website
PITTSBORO – Chatham County 4-H has developed an educational activities and resource website (http://www.go.ncsu.edu/readext?663540). The purpose of this website is to provide youth and families beneficial resources in a centralized location.
Information contained on this website includes 4-H virtual learning opportunities across the nation; educational activities for youth offered through various organizations (e.g., NASA, USDA); and general resources provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension, as well as other community partners and organizations (e.g., Chatham Health Alliance, Center for Disease Control). This website will continue to be updated as more information becomes available to us.
As Chatham County 4-H transitions to a more virtual world, a news release state, the organization will begin offering educational and fun learning opportunities, that will allow youth to continue developing life skills and giving back to their community while practicing social distancing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the educational activities and resources website and check out the Chatham County 4-H Weekly Challenge each Monday.
If you are unable to access the information online and would like a copy of it, then please contact Victoria Brewer, Chatham County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, via email (victoria.brewer@chathamnc.org) or phone (919-545-8303).