By TOM GODFREY

They are the lowest of the low.
Police are warning residents to be on the alert for scammers going online and door-to-door peddling a range of fake COVID-19 test kits, face masks, hand sanitizers and miracle cures to try and defraud members of our community.
The conmen may advertise on what appear to be government programs or fake charity appeals to try and steal money from residents. They usually target seniors.
“Beware of unsolicited calls, texts and emails offering ‘free’ medical or health products, and those with links or attachments,” police say, adding residents should not respond to suspicious messages.
“Clicking on the link will take you to a scam website and that’s where the hack begins,” officers say.
There have been warnings about the scam issued by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Better Business Bureau (BBB), City of Toronto and a list of police forces.
The CAFC say people should be wary of private companies offering face masks or COVID-19 tests, which are currently only available at hospitals.
“Fraudsters are creative and want to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties and misinformation,” the CAFC said in a release.
They say people going door-to-door offering de-contamination services should be avoided.
Police say one hacker even went as far as creating a fake Public Health Agency of Canada website to try and defraud residents.
The BBB have received complaints about alleged scam websites selling masks and other goods online.
They are urging residents to be vigilant and avoid “fake cures, phony prevention measures and other coronavirus cons.”
“The best way to avoid getting scammed is to buy the goods directly from a seller you know and trust,” the BBB stated.
Even Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, General Manager for Emergency Management for the City of Toronto, is warning of the crooks preying on residents by selling COVID-19 test kits.
‘This is a total scam,” Pegg says, noting that residents can obtain accurate information by visiting City websites.
“This is terrible news,” warns resident Helen Filipe. “This is an all-time low. Yikes.”
City officials can be reached by dialling 311, or at toronto.ca. The number for Toronto Public Health is 416-338-7600 and their email is publichealth@toronto.ca