As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to climb, scammers are finding new ways to prey on those feeling anxious during the pandemic.
RCMP have issued a statement warning residents to be on the lookout for potential scams, at a time when many Canadians are feeling panicked by the outbreak.
“Most of these attacks are happening via e-mail or text, and they work so well because they prey upon our emotions,” said David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security.
Shipley says he’s seen e-mails claiming to be the government asking for residents’ credit card numbers in order to carry out a COVID-19 test, or IT departments demanding someone working from home to send in their login credentials.
“Any of these things that are designed to (demand) you must do something, that triggers a fear or stress response, you should calmly look at them and assess them,” Shipley said.
Rather than act out of fear, residents are encouraged to take a breath and consider their options. It’s better to reach out through different channels to the person purporting to be behind the e-mail, and confirm the request, rather than instantly send off personal information.
Are you noticing suspicious links and #phishing campaigns related to #COVID19? Protect yourself from these types of attempts by checking out the guidance from .@cybercentre_ca: https://t.co/0JPXt51Mp3
.@GetCyberSafe pic.twitter.com/V4egXmNi46— Digital Government (@DigitalCDN) March 24, 2020
Shipley believes the decline in media trust is exacerbating the problem, and social media only makes it worse.
“One thing we’re seeing on social media is a rise of scams purporting to offer masks for sale,” said Shipley. “Be very, very cautious about those kinds of offers.”
He says in a time of the pandemic, it becomes more important than ever to have a responsible media diet, and to only consume information about the novel coronavirus from trustworthy news sources.
“It’s the perfect storm. This information warfare on social media, where people get fake news and disinformation, the decline in trust in traditional media, and access to local media is all coming home to roost,” he said.
Shipley says many sites and apps purporting to give COVID-19 information, like maps of local outbreaks, are being created to lure in users and install malware or viruses on their devices.
As a result, Beauceron’s website is offering free e-books and online learning courses to help those working from home protect themselves from potential online scams.
Most of all, at a time when many are becoming frustrated and afraid, Shipley advocates for a responsible digital diet.
“The big thing is: take a break from online when you can. There’s a lot of information, and it can be very overwhelming. Criminals are seizing upon that.”
