I find it very sad that with the world going through this horrible virus, that there are still those out there that look to profit off of people's fear, but sadly it is true. I wanted to discuss a few online scams that everyone should be on the look out for.
Phishing Attacks
How does it work? Cybercriminals send emails claiming to be from legitimate organizations with information about the CORVID-19.
The email messages might ask you to open an attachment to see the latest statistics. If you click on the attachment or embedded link, you’re likely to download malicious software onto your device.
The malicious software,malware, for short, could allow cybercriminals to take control of your computer, log your keystrokes, or access your personal information and financial data, which could lead to identity theft.
The CORVID-19 has affected the lives of millions of people around the world. It’s impossible to predict its long-term impact. But it is possible to take steps to help protect yourself against CORVID-19-related scams.
Here’s some information that can help.
How do I spot a CORVID-19 phishing email? Examples
CORVID-19-themed phishing emails can take different forms, including these. CDC alerts. Cybercriminals have sent phishing emails designed to look like they’re from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The email might falsely claim to link to a list of CORVID-19 cases in your area. “You are immediately advised to go through the cases above for safety hazard,” the text of one phishing email reads.
Health advice emails. Phishers have sent emails that offer purported medical advice to help protect you against the CORVID-19. The emails might claim to be from medical experts near Wuhan, China, where the CORVID-19 outbreak began. “This little measure can save you,” one phishing email says. “Use the link below to download Safety Measures.”
Workplace policy emails. Cybercriminals have targeted employees’ workplace email accounts. One phishing email begins, “All, Due to the CORVID-19 outbreak, [company name] is actively taking safety precautions by instituting a Communicable Disease Management Policy.” If you click on the fake company policy, you’ll download malicious software.
How do I avoid scammers and fake ads?
Scammers have posted ads that claim to offer treatment or cures for the CORVID-19. The ads often try to create a sense of urgency, for instance, “Buy now, limited supply.” At least two bad things could happen if you respond to the ads. One, you might click on an ad and download malware onto your device. Two, you might buy the product and receive something useless, or nothing at all. Meanwhile, you may have shared personal information such as your name, address, and credit card number. Bottom line? It’s smart to avoid any ads seeking to capitalize on the CORVID-19.
Tips for recognizing and avoiding phishing emails Here are some ways to recognize and avoid CORVID-19-themed phishing emails. Like other types of phishing emails, the email messages usually try to lure you into clicking on a link or providing personal information that can be used to commit fraud or identity theft. Here’s some tips to avoid getting tricked. Beware of online requests for personal information. A CORVID-19-themed email that seeks personal information like your Social Security number or login information is a phishing scam. Legitimate government agencies won’t ask for that information. Never respond to the email with your personal data.
Check the email address or link. You can inspect a link by hovering your mouse button over the URL to see where it leads. Sometimes, it’s obvious the web address is not legitimate. But keep in mind phishers can create links that closely resemble legitimate addresses. Delete the email.
Watch for spelling and grammatical mistakes. If an email includes spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, it’s likely a sign you’ve received a phishing email. Delete it. Look for generic greetings. Phishing emails are unlikely to use your name. Greetings like “Dear sir or madam” signal an email is not legitimate. We purposely have been using CORVID-19 instead of COVID-19 in this article as a example and it took six days for someone to say something. Anna Trotter on Facebook was the first to finally recognize it!
Avoid emails that insist you act now. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action. The goal is to get you to click on a link and provide personal information — right now. Instead, delete the message.
The FTC suggests we doing the following to avoid CORVID-19 Scams
Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam COVID-19 treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent the CORVID-19— online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the COVID-19. Visit the FDA to learn more.
Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
Where can I find legitimate information about the COVID-19?
It’s smart to go directly to reliable sources for information about the COVID-19. That includes government offices and health care agencies.
Here are a few of the best places to find answers to your questions about the COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC website includes the most current information about the COVID-19. Here’s a partial list of topics covered.
How the COVID-19 spreads
Symptoms
Prevention and treatment
Cases in the U.S.
Global locations with COVID-19
Information for communities, schools, and businesses travel
World Health Organization. WHO provides a range of information, including how to protect yourself, travel advice, and answers to common questions. National Institutes of Health. NIH provides updated information and guidance about the COVID-19. It includes information from other government organizations.
Please be safe and take care of each other!
Thanks to NortonLifeLock and the FTC for information.
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