Category: Alerts
Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Phishing Scams
Security Boulevard
Liviu
Arsene on March 17, 2020
A series of phishing scams have exploited the ongoing
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to either spread malware, trick victims into
giving away sensitive information, or raise funds that they falsely claim will
help find a vaccine. They all attempt to exploit our curiosity and basic
necessities, such as the need to buy medical or personal hygiene equipment or
other goods.
Preying on the common desire to learn more about the signs and
dangers, or even how to survive potential exposure to COVID-19, cybercriminals
have started sending phishing emails that promise exclusive information in the
form of attachments and links to protection gear at highly discounted prices.
Many even ask for Bitcoin donations that they say will support research for a
Coronavirus vaccine.
Most online scams occur through spam emails that entice with
amazing discounts for medical supplies that have long since flown off the
shelves of pharmacies and stores.
No, it’s not the infamous Doctor Who from the popular TV series,
but someone claiming to be a doctor working for the World Health Organization
(WHO). It’s one of the most popular email scams and it claims to have new and
exclusive information on how to prevent and protect against Coronavirus
infection. All you have to do is open the attached document to read more.
Preying on our concerns, fraudsters are impersonating
institutions affiliated with or linked to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Their tactics include
deploying malicious links or attachments claiming to give you a list of
infected people in your area.
As always, do not click on links or download attachments from
unknown senders – just delete the email. When in doubt, call the sender to
verify the authenticity of the email or contact the IT department.
