Covid-19 scams: 5 tips to spot online scams, phishing emails

Team Udayavani, Jul 9, 2020, 7:03 PM IST

Thousands of people around the world have been targeted by fraudsters using Covid-19 scams.

Cybercriminals setup fake Covid-19 tracker dashboards to hack computers, put up malicious websites and apps. Many also pose as WHO officials, offer free mobile data, send out ransom emails threatening to infect users with Covid-19

Most of the emails asks users to open an attachment and once clicked on the attachment or embedded link, you are likely to download malicious software onto your device.

The malicious software could allow cybercriminals to take control of your computer, or access your personal information and financial data, which could lead to identity theft.

Here are tips to spot online scams

1.Always cross check with accurate sources.    Visit  sources like the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to get the latest factual information about  Covid-19

2.Be very careful with requests which ask for more than required personal banking information. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action. The goal is to get you to click on a link and provide personal information

3.Beware of fundraising   campaigns as there are many fundraisers for Covid-19 and this can be a very good opportunity for hackers to loot money. It is better to donate directly to these organisations.

4.Evaluate all messages and report the messages which you find fishy and those that request for unsolicited information. If an email includes spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, it’s likely a sign you’ve received a phishing email. Delete it.

5.Do  not click on random links sent in an unsolicited email. Before clicking a hyperlink, users should hover over the link to see where it leads.