Criminals have always been an opportunistic bunch, and during times of fear, they always seem to find a way to prey on the people that are the most trusting among us. Situations like the COVID-19 pandemic create opportunities for cyber criminals like scammers and hackers, to use the news to lure potential targets to click harmful links and share vital information that they normally wouldn’t even think twice about online. 

With the number of scams based around Coronavirus rising, we thought it would be a good time to run down the top types of scams the FBI wants you to look out for during the pandemic.

Government Impersonators

Scammers impersonating government officials is as old as the internet. We have all received an email, or phone call, from the “IRS” at on point or another telling us there is an issue and they need our bank info, but now the FBI is seeing a lot more of these types of scams saying they are part of the CDC, or even Door-to-door scams selling COVID testing services. It is important to remember that the government will never reach out to you in this manner especially when it comes to health issues. They will always have you enter secure portals for this type of communication.

 

Fraudulent Cures or Medical Equipment

Right now scammers are all about trying to sell you cures and other services not help you fight the virus. You should make sure to reach out to your doctor if you have any questions about a “cure” that you have heard about, because many of these remedies can be harmful to you. The use of fake treatments can also be used as a phishing scam in your email in box. Never click on links that don’t come from a trusted source.

 

Work-from-Home Fraud

With the increase in people working from home due to the pandemic, many people are open to scams targeted to the people that have been laid off or looking for new ways to make money during the stay at home order that is in place. This can be done as a phishing attempt (trying to get you to click on malicious links), or through fake jobs that want you to send them money to get secure your position or set up your work account. No job works that way so don’t give them money to set up a new job.

 

Investment Fraud

Another major scam that is taking place right now is attackers posing as researchers or doctors; asking for money to continue their research for a cure or treatment for COVID-19. These scams are usually aimed at people that are looking to get rich quick by getting in on the ground floor of these life saving medicines. It is important to remember that if it sounds too good to be true it usually is. 

 

These are just some of the examples of the tactics that are being used in order to prey on people that are concerned about the issues related to the current situation we are all in. It is not every tactic that is being used. To find out if your home network is secure fill out our free and quick assessment by clicking here. And to find out what you should do if you feel you have been a victim of, or if you know anyone that is trying to perpetrate any of these or other scams visit this article here.