Coronavirus phishing scams (text & email)

Our knowledge and understanding of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is growing each day. Criminals are using this new pandemic as a way of targeting and scamming individuals. Methods include using phishing emails and text messages to obtain private information.

If an email or text message feels suspicious then it probably is.

Some of the emails that are being circulated claim they have a Coronavirus threat map website and when you click on the link it steals personal information. Some texts are also claiming that the recipient will be entitled to receiving a payment from the Government. 

Be extra vigilant and take the following precautions:

• Checking the sender’s email address - is anything amiss? Hover over it and see if the return address is the same? 

• Check the greeting - is it impersonal? Most emails will greet you by name. Generic greetings like ‘All, Hi there or Dear user’ are often an indicator of a phishing email.

• Check the spelling and grammar - phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes along with dodgy grammar.

• Check the links - hover your mouse over any button or link in an email to see the true destination. If it’s an email from a major retailer, but the URL that pops up doesn’t look like you’d expect it to, do not click it! 

As an added check, copy and paste the link into an online scam checker like https://www.urlvoid.com/. 

Websites

Fraudulent websites are 2 a penny online these days. When we are in hot pursuit of a particular gift, we could easily without knowing find ourselves happily clicking away on a fraudulent website. Use reputable online stores - read ratings and reviews for websites, or users, before committing your details.
Web of trust can also help protect you whilst browsing https://www.mywot.com/.

Home users and family

• Keep your tech updated
• Regularly monitor your bank account
• Regularly check bank and credit card statements, and set up credit card and bank account withdrawal alert
• Think before you click!

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