The number of COVID-19 scams that are growing across the globe is quite large, the very fact that these dishonest people have discovered a way to scam you. The Federal Trade Commission has listed that COVID-19 related scams have cost Americans larger than $13.4 million this year. Owing to the vast amounts of phishing emails each day with crooks trying to steal money and private information, now you need to stay safe and informed of these fraudulent methods regularly. There has been a listing of more than 40,000 websites under the name “coronavirus.” People are usually getting scam calls. Americans lost over $19.7 billion over scams in 2019. With COVID-19 just packing up the process, the process will get costlier in the upcoming days. The sad part is that multiple people often let scammers and cybercriminals benefit from this method.
Blood and saliva from ‘COVID survivors
Think you’re someone who needs immunity via COVID antibodies, and you keep exploring around the Dark Web. In that event, you may find blood and saliva specimens from a “coronavirus survivor” and wonder at its chances at one go.
Could it be true that those bodily fluids for sale in an online marketplace will reinforce your body against COVID? It’s a lie. You will never notice the blood, and even if it was right, other people’s blood might be infected with diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis. Talk to your doctor rather.
Expedited incentive checks
So many people talking through Zoom and other video chats, we are now relying on our webcams. Be wary of any webcam you own, and think of wrapping it up when it’s not in usage. A piece of black electrical tape will work.
You may get an email with a text line that includes your password. When you open the email, a dangerous message is declaring to be from a hacker, saying, “They have hacked your webcam and that they have caught you in intimate moments.” Now, it’s time to give them money in Bitcoin so no one can trace the activity, or else the hacker will show you openly.
That password is one jeopardized in a data breach. Do not pay the hacker. Delete the email and the password at various sites. Renew it now.
Fake Covid-19 miracle cures
Many people engage in fake cures regarding the coronavirus pandemic, and many still come for it. Still, it may be attractive to believe that big pharma contains a vaccine or some enchantment pill that might decrease COVID-19’s impacts on the body.
Tech support scams
You’re obliged to run into tech problems operating from home. Since you don’t want specialists inside your home to fix the difficulty as there may be many issues circling you, you may need the aid of phone or online tech help.
Never Google a company’s tech help number. Scammers need you to do it and drop into their scam. To be safe, check the number twice and make it positive the number you dial is the real number and not some phony.
Go to the company’s approved website and get the phone number from the Contact Us division. Many phishing plans are created by hackers who want to obtain personal data and seize your network.
Sextortion scams
With so many people talking through Zoom and video chats, we are now dependent on our webcams. Be careful with the webcam you own, and consider wrapping it up when not in use. A piece of black electrical tape will do.
You may get an email with a topic line that includes your password. When you initiate the email, a dangerous message alleging to be from a hacker says that your webcam has been jeopardized and that they have caught you doing sexual acts. Now you will have to pay in Bitcoin not to track the activity, or else the hacker will expose you to your family and friends.
That password is one discredited in a data leak. Don’t give the hacker. Delete the email and keep different passwords for different sites.
Government-issued online Covid-19 inspections
Coronavirus tests are in low supply, and several people are eager to find one. The Food and Drug administration newly established the first at-home test. A nasal swab is safe and accurate.
That said, if you find any such merchant selling coronavirus tests online, this is almost indeed a scam, and it is recommended never to fall for it. You should regularly ask a doctor before taking the test and follow the guidelines closely.
No-risk investment
If you’re watching the news, you know how random the economy is at this time. While the stock market is jumping, investment scam is widespread, attracting keen moneymakers with “guaranteed returns” and another positive expression. Scammers usually strive for the most practical situations, like raising funds for a company that produces medical masks.
Fake bosses and co-workers
From a hacker’s view, working-from-home economics is the perfect opportunity to break into a system, take over an email statement, and send real-sounding news to workers.
When you get a peculiar message, it is tough to prove when workers are far away from each other, and everyone is concerned about layoffs. Hackers may also portray your company’s help desk, asking passwords for “confirmation.” Even if a request sounds reasonable, confirm details by phone.
Phony small business loan sites
Small shop owners are trying, and scammers know the Payroll Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan rules can be challenging to navigate.
My show’s interview recently fell for a fake Small Business Administration site that got a “down payment” to help him get an equity loan. The only place where you should apply for government assistance for your small business is at SBA.gov.
Donation scams
One of the most outrageous scams is donation scams. Fake charities abound in crisis times, and the pandemic is no different. Crowdsourcing platforms are lifesaving when actual charities host them, but they can dupe many good people into giving their money to scammers. Before donating money, check about the charity.