Cybercrime has risen significantly since the COVID19 pandemic started. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this terrible time to prey on people and make money by scamming the vulnerable.
In this post, we want to educate you on what to look out for so you don’t fall victim to these COVID19 related scams and social engineering attacks.
- Remember, there is currently NO KNOWN CURE for COVID19. So, if someone is telling you they have a cure and they are trying to convince you to buy it, DON’T! Many cyber-criminals are sending out emails and texts claiming they have cures, and people are falling for it.
- Many attackers are also offering fake COVID19 testing! Always verify that you are going to a legitimate place to get your testing done.
- Contact tracing scams have been pretty prevalent as well. Attackers are sending out texts telling people that they have come into contact with someone who has COVID19. These text messages often contain malicious links. Do not click on links in text messages from unverified sources!
- Remember, never click on links or attachments in emails or texts from people you do not know. Always verify the source before you click anything
- Attackers are also offering medical supplies, cleaning supplies and at home testing kits. Be wary of anyone who tries to sell you these things! Only buy medical and cleaning supplies from trusted sources and not from people who randomly email, text or call you!
- Stimulus check scams are also something to watch out for. Attackers are trying to steal people’s stimulus checks. Be on the lookout for calls or emails requesting personal information or asking you to sign over a check. Be aware that the correct term for a stimulus check is “economic impact payment”.
- Many cyber-criminals are also pretending to be banks, the CDC and various other government agencies. Be on guard and know that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
Some Examples of COVID-19 Scams
“IRS COVID-19 News:
Click xxx.xxx/IRS-COVID-19 to register/update your information in order to receive the economic impact payment regardless of your status.”
Contact Tracing Text:
“Someone who came into contact with you tested positive for COVID19 or has shown symptoms for COVID19 & recommends you self-isolate / get tested. More at maliciouslinkgoeshere.com”
Email Example:
“How to protect your friends from nCOV 2019 FAQ. There are more than 75,000 infected COVID-19 cases all around the world! COVID-19-FAQ (LINK) uploaded with iCloud drive.”
We hope these tips and examples help keep you and your family safe. Spread the word and let others know about COVID19 scams!