COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS- Secret Service Warns of Scammers Taking Advantage of COVID-19

The United States Secret Service has added its voice to federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, who have been warning about scammers trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent press release, the Secret Service has noted that it has observed three categories of scams related to the virus:

·         Phishing email schemes that claim to be from legitimate medical or health organizations with email attachments that claim to have important information about COVID-19. Of course, opening the attachment, or clicking on a link, may insert malware onto your computer.

·         Cyber criminals have been using social engineering to claim to be a charity supporting some aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic through social media or via a web page.

·         Cyber criminals are advertising online that they have medical supplies for sale that prevent or protect against COVID-19. The criminals demand payment up front or initial deposits then fail to complete delivery of the promised products.

Clearly, watching out for any attempts to take your money or steal your private information is important now. Don’t give your personal information to anyone who calls or emails you. Check out charities with the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office. Beware of offers of products that the seller claims will protect you from COVID-19.



United States Secret Service:

https://www.secretservice.gov/data/press/releases/2020/20-MAR/Secret_Service_Coronavirus_Phishing_Alert.pdf