Avoid COVID-19 Scams
As our world is facing an unprecedented time during the COVID-19 outbreak, more businesses are being shut down or moved to selling online. It is more important than ever to take precautions online to ensure the safety of your business and personal accounts.
Since January 2020, over 16,000 new coronavirus-related domains have been registered, and a report indicates that 50% of these related domains are more likely to be malicious over other domains.
Here are steps to take to avoid COVID-19 scams:
1. Check email domains
One way a hacker attacks is through email. It may somehow have the name of your boss, family member, or friend but it is crucial to check the email domain! Even if it says Mrs. Boss in your email - hover over or click the email to show the email address (mrsboss@gmail.com).
Hackers like to disguise their bad email with a familiar name to try and get personal information from you. A popular request is for your cell phone number, that way you are not likely to see that fake domain. If someone is asking for personal information, money, or purchase requests, take a second look to check their legitimacy. Never share your credit card number, passwords or other important information over email.
2. Not all links are created equal
With hourly news updates on the COVID-19 epidemic, it is important to realize that not all links are safe. We are all rushing to get updates, but many hackers will utilize our current state and hope you will fall for their tricks. Be sure you read the URL or notice if the site is a credible source. This is where your email domains come into play too. Do not click on links from unknown email addresses.
3. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is
Online users may stumble upon phony “Coronavirus sales” selling high-end items with a large discount or a cure for the virus itself. Just keep in mind, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is!
4. Keep employees informed
This is a new time for employees. Those who are used to working in-office are now faced to work from home or wait to start working again. It is very important to keep up communication with your staff and let them know how to avoid hackers as well. Let them know how you plan on contacting them (we use Google Hangouts!) Remind them you will never ask them for certain information. Keeping everyone informed keeps everyone safe.
5. Never share personal information on the phone
Robocalls have been calling citizens for a long time now. They tend to mention issues with your identity, or claiming you are in financial trouble. Do not ever share your credit cards, banking passwords, or any valuable information to strangers on a call, no matter who they claim to be.
For more COVID-19 scam tips, check out this FTC article.
