Secret Service issues alert about coronavirus email scams

The coronavirus is a prime opportunity for enterprising criminals because it plays on fear, which can cause people to let their guard down and fall victim to various scams, the U.S. Secret Service said.

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The agency announced Monday that it is taking steps to alert the public about the types of email scams associated with the coronavirus, COVID-19.

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The Secret Service’s Global Investigative Operations Center reports the following email scams:

Phishing: This is the practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to entice individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

In some cases, victims received emails purporting to be from a medical/health organization that included attachments supposedly containing information regarding the coronavirus. This led victims to inadvertently infect their computers with malware or have their login credentials stolen.

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Social engineering: Criminals exploit the charity of others to seek donations on legitimate social media websites for fraudulent causes.

Non-delivery: Criminal actors advertise as a medical supply company that sells items to prevent/protect against the coronavirus. Up front payment or initial deposit will be required, but the product is never delivered.

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Tips to protect yourself

  • Avoid opening email attachments and clicking on links in emails from senders you do not recognize. Attachments can contain malware, such as ransomware, that can infect your device and steal your information.
  • Be wary of emails or phone calls requesting account information or that you verify your account. Legitimate businesses will never call or email you directly for this information.
  • Verify any requested information comes from a legitimate source.
  • Visit websites by typing in the domain name yourself.

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