The Del Ray Business Association is warning the community against a phishing scam that has potential victims receiving emails from DRCA President Sue Kovalsky.

“Some of our members received targeted emails posing as Del Ray Business Association President Sue Kovalsky, requesting eBay, Target, or Macy’s gift cards to donate to veterans affected by COVID-19,” according to DRCA. “While the email appears to be from Sue, the email address was not hers.”

DRCA added, “Del Ray Business Association would mever request that you purchase gift cards online on behalf of the Association for later reimbursement. In the future, please be sure to check the email address if a message looks suspicious, and, as always, reach out to us if you have any questions.”

There has only been one case of a Del Ray resident opening one of the emails.

The city is also warning against scams, as the pandemic creates an opportunity for some to take advantage of the crisis.

“Never give personal information, including banking information, Social Security numbers, or other personally identifiable information over the phone or email,” notes a city release.

According to the city, common examples of scams include:

• Fake “test kits” or cures
• Illegitimate health organizations
• Malicious websites or applications that claim to share COVID-19 information but steal personal information or install malware; and fraudulent charities.
• Emails with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink.
• Fake phone calls, emails, or texts trying to get to revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott