Several countries are already easing lockdown restrictions and slowly allowing people to resume their daily lives, but scammers are still taking advantage of the pandemic for their own gain.
An analysis from cybersecurity outfit Cujo.AI reveals the most common cybercrimes rampant during the coronavirus crisis: impersonation of health organizations, financial fraud, and fake products.
Leonardas Marozas, a security research laboratory manager for Cujo, warns that such scams continue to entice people to buy products that don't exist or donate to a non-existent COVID-19 charity. The sad part of it all is that people still fall for these scams despite the constant and continuous warnings of cybersecurity experts.
Let's discuss the fraudulent strategies scammers are known to employ these days.
Impersonating Health Groups and Organizations
The World Health Organization has become a favorite of online scammers these days. Attackers would send dupe emails so they can obtain sensitive information or implant malware into a device. And while some copy legitimate health information, others inject lies and spread fake news about the coronavirus that has led to a massive misinformation problem in social media platforms.
According to Marozas, these scams don't work all the time, but the fact they exist only adds to the notion that information found online can't be trusted. And that idea is even more problematic during a global health crisis.
Financial Fraud
There has been a global delay in the payment of subsidies, rebates, and taxes, which has prompted many scammers to use programs that will entice people to give their financial information. According to Cujo, there had been reports of fake revenue agencies in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Charity scams are also a problem. People are deceived into donating to crowdfunding and research efforts dedicated to COVID-19.
Fake Products
Fake COVID-19 products and services are also widespread online. The fake products include coronavirus sterilizers and something called a Coronavirus Frequency Defense, which is supposed to ward off the virus using noise and sound.
Fraudsters are seeking to take advantage of public fears by selling bogus medical products and other counterfeit items. More often than not, criminals have been preying on vulnerable and older people who are self-isolating.
The public must keep a vigilant eye on cyber scams, especially these days when most people are vulnerable. Lockdown guidelines may be more relaxed, but this doesn't mean we should let our guard down. To avoid online scams, the best defense is learning to recognize the signs.
