Coronavirus: Scammers Impersonating Health Authorities



Scammers and spy agencies are taking advantage of the world frenzy regarding the coronavirus and are impersonating health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC or health authorities in other countries. Scammers know that the world is seeking out as much information about the virus as they can to stay up to date and hopefully avoid contracting it themselves. The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement warning the public: "Coronavirus is a prime opportunity for enterprising criminals because it plays on one of the basic human conditions … fear."
 

How can you avoid being scammed?


Here are a few steps you can take to avoid being scammed.
  • Do not click links or download information from unknown sources.
    • Fake coronavirus-themed emails and websites are being created to trick people into opening attachments that download malicious software, allowing access to their data.
  • Never give out login credentials or financial data in an email.
  • Always independently verify a legitimate source by doing your own research.
    • Fake maps of the spread of the virus are being created to download malicious software in the background.
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations. The FDA says there are currently no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
 

What else should I know?

  • NBC news stated “The FBI is tracking so-called phishing campaigns that seek to use people's interest in the coronavirus to get them to click on links that encourage them to reveal sensitive login information.”
  • You can report suspected fraudulent emails to the FBI by going to www.ic3.gov.
  • The WHO also issued its own guidance making it clear that it would never "ask you to login to view safety information."