Beware of cyber scams amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 isn’t the only pandemic wreaking havoc on the world at the moment. Rising cybercrime is also a scourge for all UK internet users.
As the UK has entered a period of ‘lockdown’ to quell the spread of COVID-19, ruthless cybercriminals are using the crisis to exploit, scam and defraud people.
The Cyber Helpline continues to operate as usual amidst the disruption caused by Coronavirus, and our helpline responders are available to support anyone concerned about their cybersecurity.
Prevention
At this time, in particular, we would advise individuals to take the following steps to ensure their online security:
Set up 2-factor authentication where possible. The extra layer of protection this provides can make it harder for hackers to access your accounts.
Change your passwords.
Avoid clicking on suspicious emails.
If in any doubt whatsoever, do not provide your details to a third-party online or over the phone. Remember, many banks won’t contact you over the phone.
Trust reputable outlets of information and news.
How Cybercriminals Are Exploiting People’s Coronavirus Fears
Our experts have been proactive in detecting and preventing cybersecurity threats to our service users. Our team have highlighted numerous scams and incidents of hacking and phishing, including fraudulent emails.
For example, beware of emails that appear to be from HMRC. Often, these emails may look very convincing, and they will entice you into providing your details by offering a tax rebate. However, these emails defraud innocent people of money. Always treat these emails with suspicion and avoid following any links within them.
Phishing emails like this one can seem genuine. Treat them with suspicion.
Similarly, emails asking for donations should also be treated with suspicion and recipients should not provide any personal or financial information no matter how heartfelt or convincing the email.
‘Phishing’ email scams such as those outlined here, often bear five hallmarks:
Exploits people’s fears and demands urgent action. For example, the email may warn of new virus outbreaks in the subject line. Remember – a credible source won’t attempt to alarm you.
The email will ask for your personal or financial details. Reputable organisations won’t ask for your credit card number via email.
Sometimes, unusual greetings may be used, including formal, impersonal greetings used out of context such as ‘Dear sir/madam’.
They may be littered with spelling, punctuation and grammar errors.
Emails may appear to be credible until you see the email address is unofficial. Always check this if in doubt.
Money Mules
Elaborate scams centred around ‘work-from-home’ job opportunities have emerged during the COVID-19 outbreak. As job losses and lay-offs increase, people look for ways to continue earning while in isolation but callous, opportunistic cybercriminals have seized this opportunity to recruit ‘money mules’. These schemes involve hiring job-seekers to work for bogus organisations who become unwitting components of a money-laundering system.
Often, criminals target younger people under the age of 25 with promises of quick money. In 2017, UK banks reported 8,500 ‘money mule’ accounts held by under-21s. Sadly, the COVID-19 crisis could see these statistics shift to engulf people from other demographics.
What To Do If You Think You’re A Victim of COVID-19 Cybercrime
The Cyber Helpline always advises those who have fallen victim to any type of cyber scam to report the incident to the police if you’re in Scotland or to Action Fraud as a national cybercrime reporting centre in England, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Gain further assistance by speaking to our automated chatbot facility, which can put you in touch with one of our expert helpline responders. Read more about how to get help here.
Support Our Cause
The Cyber Helpline is funded entirely by donations from generous members of the public and businesses. Without these donations, we can not continue our vital work in supporting victims of cybercrime, including victims of cyberstalking. Help us to keep The Cyber Helpline running and providing support to victims of cybercrime by donating monthly.
Further Cyber Helpline Resources
How to deal with a phishing attack
What to do when you have accidentally shared something online