US, WASHINGTON (ORDO NEWS) — Attackers always actively use the agenda for their attacks. The coronavirus pandemic gives cybercriminals many opportunities. People all over the world feel vulnerable, try to find relevant information about the virus: about its spread, methods of treatment, about working stores in their region.
All this is used by cybercriminals to their advantage.
Alexey Fedorov, head of Avast Russia and the CIS, told Vesti.Ru about the most common fraud schemes related to coronavirus.
Fake shops
According to experts, fake stores are the most common type of fraud. Often fake stores offer to buy medical equipment at a discount, for example, face masks or disinfectants. Some even claim to know treatment methods or have home tests for COVID-19.
Anyone can create an online store under almost any name – this is what scammers use. You pay for your order, but you will never receive the goods. Often such websites offer “medicines” that can supposedly prevent the disease or miraculously help an infected person recover.
These “medicines” may look like tablets, drinks, powders and much more, but in fact, of course, they do not cure anything.
Text messages
Another way for scammers to reach their victims is to send text messages in instant messengers on behalf of well-known companies or organizations. Such messages, as a rule, contain a link to a site that may look quite high quality and not cause suspicion, but in fact it is just a simple web page designed to collect personal information, such as credit card information, login credentials and home addresses of victims.
Now, with the introduction of electronic travel passes, attackers have begun to actively use this method. They send out messages stating that the victim allegedly violated the quarantine regime and offer to pay a fine immediately, in order to avoid the institution of a criminal case. However, they refer to a nonexistent decision of the FSIN.
Exploitation of the WHO name
Attackers often use the name, logo, symbols of the World Health Organization in their schemes: in emails, fake sites, messages in instant messengers.
Sometimes fraudsters ask for detailed information and / or money from private individuals, enterprises or non-profit organizations with the promise that they will receive different benefits in return. Others ask for donations to support the treatment of sick patients or, for example, conference registration fees. Another type of fraud offers job opportunities at WHO.
Safety tips. How to avoid becoming a victim of scammers:
During a pandemic, users need to be as careful as possible, always remember that cybercriminals will use the theme of coronavirus.
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