Without fail, every time America is faced with a tragedy, be it floods, tornaodoes, hurricanes, etc., the low-life scumbags and scammers come out of the sewers and start to prey on our citizens, especially our senior citizens. Now, people are being called and told they have a new cure out on the market to treat coronavirus. This is a scam and a lie.

At this time, there are no cures for the virus. If you get calls, please, just hang up the phone. Do not send any money.

Soon, U.S. Census takers will be calling on you for information. Make sure you see their identification card with the person’s photograph on it. If they don’t have identification and photo, send them on their way and call law enforcement. Call law enforcement any time you feel you are being scammed or are in the process of becoming a victim of a scam. Don’t hesitate — call law enforcement.

A warning to mom-and-pop businesses in the county — be it a grocery store, a gas station, etc.: Make sure your security cameras are working. Desperate times bring out desperate people. Be on your guard and stay alert for those individuals who might attempt to rob you.

It could be daylight or night when you become a victim of a robbery or burglary. Use common sense and be alert in protecting yourself and your business. If you suspect anything is wrong, call the sheriff’s department or your local police.

Every year, I, along with the Herald-Star, have informed the citizens about the numerous scams throughout the county, as well as the country. Yet, people still fall for the scams and send money. Thousands of dollars have been scammed from our citizens during these past few years. Enough is enough. Quit giving your money to these low-life scumbags and getting nothing in return but heartache and embarrassment.

It’s your hard-earned money — don’t give it away to these thieves and scam artists. Don’t be a victim.

Call the sheriff’s department or the police before you send money.

(Abdalla is the Jefferson County sheriff.)