In this ongoing pandemic, cyber criminals have taken full initiative on scamming the fearful public who are ready to do anything to get a little extra source of income, maybe more than a little. In this blog we’ll be touching on all the ways they can scam you and how you can steer clear of them.
According to Market Watch, “The swindlers are after personal and financial information which could put people’s purses and privacy in jeopardy.”
IMPERSONATING TRUSTED ORGANISATIONS
Cyber criminals will use sophisticated methods to exploit people’s financial concerns and will tell you everything you want to hear. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These people are after panic-stricken people and know exactly what to do to get your attention.
These scams will come in the form of emails, fraudulent phone calls, advertisements, fake social media campaigns etc. They will take the names of big known and trusted organisations to make you give in easily. The way to steer clear of all this is to be able to spot the fakes.
Some things you can look out for are people offering huge discounts, asking for your private or financial information and not being afraid to question the legitimacy of their identity.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PANDEMIC STRESS
These cyber criminals will stoop to any level to prey on innocent victims. During this pandemic, people are losing financial security and are at their most vulnerable state. Anything offering them financial support in big and flashy ways or promising to secure their future in ways they couldn’t imagine will immediately get their attention. These criminals are very aware of that and take full advantage of it.
You should be able to spot these fakes as soon as you come in contact with them. Do your research about the company before making any investments or giving your information. Always second check from someone who might have prior knowledge on it. Fake advertisements and companies posing to be someone else are everywhere. Research is key.
According to a New York-based cyber intelligence firm, IntSights, such “coronavirus-themed phishing lures, malware infections, network intrusions, scams, and disinformation campaigns have become rampant across the clear, deep, and dark web.”
WORK FROM HOME SCAM
You may have come across at least one of these emails or advertisements that offer work from home opportunities to everyone. These ads are made very flashy and promise you a pay that sounds too good to be true. But there’s always a catch. They always ask for a joining fee or your account information. That’s when you know you have to walk away.
Attachments in the emails could also be malicious in nature and could pose a potential risk to the user’s security systems.
Advisories are also issued by the Delhi Police and WHO due to rise of such frauds. Some of the DO’s and DON’T’s from the said advisories are as follows:
Do not open email attachments that you have not asked for. In case you so receive an attachments, it is always safer to open the same from WHO’s official website and not the attachment in the mail.
Always pay attention to the type of personal information you are asked to share. There is always a reason why your personal information is needed. In no circumstances, there would be a need for your passwords.
Do not believe any emails that come with a sense of panic. Legitimate organizations will never want you to panic and they always take the processes step by step.
Do not believe that WHO or any other organization conducts lotteries or offer prizes, grants or certificates through emails.
CONCLUSION
Cyber crimes have peaked during the pandemic and criminals are fully taking this opportunity to exploit the fear among the general public and practice illegal activities. We all have to do our part and educate ourselves and people around us. Always take a moment to fully understand something before taking part in any financial transactions or parting with any personal information.