Among the threats posed by the COVID-19 outbreak are scams aimed at exploiting fears and spreading disinformation about the pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Justice and Homeland Security.
For example, individuals and businesses are using the internet to sell fake cures for COVID-19, market products falsely claiming to mitigate COVID‑19, and fraudulently retail COVID-19 supplies, such as face masks and hand sanitizer.
In addition there are reports of phishing emails — these are emails that ask you for personal information or have you click on a link — from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and reports of malware being inserted onto mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to COVID-19. Scammers may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.
Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.
Here are some preacutions to take:
* Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments.
* Use trusted sources — such as legitimate government websites — for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
* Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitatins for this information.
* Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on charity scams for more information, at consumer.ftc.gov.
* Review CISA Insights on Risk Management for COVID-19 for more information.
Some examples of scams are:
* Individuals and businesses selling “cures” for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
* Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — these are emails that ask you for personal information or have you click on a link.
* Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received. * Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
* Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
Anyone who is solicited for fraud should call the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or by e-mailing the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov.
_Content from: U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security_
