I think it is fair to say that most people are highly concerned, maybe even a little scared about what is going on around us now with this dreadful virus. I, like many, don't buy all the information we're getting fed but, equally, I certainly do not entertain the wild conspiracy theory stuff surrounding it and I try very hard to focus on the real issues that we face as a result of Corona Virus.
It isn't ever in my nature to take what I hear and see at face value so you might find that surprising but I have friends abroad who have confirmed the situation in their countries and I prefer to check my sources in this way rather than rely on Facebook and other trash channels.
One of those issues that can often and easily be forgotten in this environment of fear is to be totally on your guard against scammers and fraudsters who will happily play on such fears to make you vulnerable to online attack and potential financial loss or even identity theft.
Therefore, the purpose of this email is to simply do what I can to help you to protect yourself some in this regard and to implore you to especially reach out to any elderly relatives and friends you may have to put them on their guard.
There is a notable increase right now in phishing emails. These, if you don't know already, are emails that pretend to come from well-known and supposedly trustworthy sources that often appear to be coming to you for perfectly genuine looking reasons. I have certainly seen a few in my inbox.
I know for a fact that genuine financial institutions that we use and depend on are only too aware that asking people to click links in such emails can only lead to problems for them should they get targeted by scammers in the same way. So, they avoid it altogether.
So, what should you watch out for? Getting emails from your normal sources of pure information are normally fine but if you suddenly start getting emails from institutions, government bodies, financial services (banks etc) with links in them to click. Emails that you would not normally get then do not click the links.
For example, right now, there are a spate of emails arriving in inboxes all over the world purporting to come from the World Health Organisation. Typically, the email will suggest you click a link to download a report on keeping safe and what to do if you think that Corona Virus is in your home.
This link to the report will not be what it seems!
You need to know that organisations such as the WHO would never contact you in this way unless you had been seeking information directly yourself from their website and even then, there is likely to be a download facility there and then. If you click on any such link you risk one of a few things happening.
1) A keylogger or worm of some description is downloaded to your computer that allows these unscrupulous b*st**ds to capture important security information from you remotely (passwords etc) and possibly then gain access to online accounts you might hold.
2) Programs are installed that grant access to your computer that run programs in the background that can implant things on your computer. For example, email spamming software that immediately sends out compromising material to your contact list or spyware.
These are just two of many possible ways you can be attacked.
You may also get phishing emails that look very much like they have come from your bank or from some other financial institution or financial magazine or service that you subscribe to. All of these phishing emails can seem, at first glance, to be genuine and the only way you can protect yourself is to simply not ever click a link directly in the email that suggests you go somewhere to access any further information without checking directly with them first.
Phishing scammers know that people always respond more to "official looking" emails so they do not generally dress up as mere promotional emails.
Another regular doing the rounds is the email that tugs at your charitable heart strings by requesting money for some cause or another. They all look genuine but to comply can cost you far more than a well-intentioned small donation.
You may also see a bunch of emails (or even online ads) offering face masks that really work etc for sale. You click on the link or the ad and a whole bunch of personal and financial data is requested. Just please, don't fall for it. Even if there was the odd, genuine source of goods spread among them, the risks of being defrauded are simply too high.
Given the incredible upturn (according to Google) of searches relating to things like hand sanitizer and face masks, it should hardly come as a surprise that the scammers and fraudsters are 100% on that bandwagon already.
Why am I sending this to you? Just lately I have been advised by one or two people I know that they have fallen foul of these scammers, so I wanted to just give you a heads up and help you to remain safe.
Trust me when I say that in times of crisis and public fear these instances of direct attack (especially through email) ramp up beyond belief.
That's all, stay safe and look out for your neighbours and friends as well as your family and take away these 6 suggestions from this message at least, please:
1. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails or texts from unknown sources, or even trusted sources unless you’re sure that the message is authentic (it is easy enough to check).
2. Ignore communications that ask for your personal information. If you are unsure, always verify that the message really did come from the source it claims to be by checking directly with the organization that they purport to represent in the communication. When doing this, do it on a different computer, phone etc if possible.
3. Be very careful with emails that encourage a sense of alarm and urge you to take immediate action.
4. Be especially careful with any communication that appears to be offering vaccines, cures or forms of relief.
5. Watch out for the mass of fraudulent charities popping up and be vigilant where crowdfunding campaigns (particularly) are concerned.
6. Wherever possible, ramp up your security and keep it up to date and, if you can use security software that can protect against phishing emails.
John
Ps, just trying to do my bit to help you stay safe. I've seen too many people taken advantage of in times like these.
