Thieves Exploit Vulnerabilities Created by the Pandemic

As if we all didn’t have enough to worry about, the Coronavirus that is sweeping the world has opened up opportunities for ID thieves and scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting people. While we are all attached to our screens, keeping up to date on the latest developments and recommendations by the CDC and other government agencies, crooks are preying upon fears of infection and using this fear to steal personally identifiable information (PII), financial information and even medical information. Take a look:

Bogus Coronavirus Websites

Scammers have set up fraudulent websites that claim to provide updates on the virus, others that state they are collecting donations for victims and some that are claiming to sell face masks, sanitizers, test kits and other items that are in high demand. These sites collect your credit card information, your medical data and other confidential information so they can steal your identity or your money.

Phishing Emails & Fraudulent Phone Calls

No one from the CDC, the WHO (World Health Organization) or any other government agency is going to call you and ask for your personal information. Criminals are making calls posing as these agencies and asking people to provide their personal information under the guise that they will be updated on the spread of the virus. They are requesting addresses, email addresses, etc. Text messages with links that appear to be from these agencies are false and will ultimately lead you to a website where you PII will be stolen. If you receive phone calls or text messages that look suspicious, hang up or delete the text.

Phony Government and Health Organizations Communications

Hackers have infiltrated the US Department of Health and Human Services and posed as the government to send out warnings to citizens about a national lockdown. They have also sent out phony emails with links or attachments to “protected sites” where you can create a user account which requires personal information. And because the government is working on a relief package, criminals are also sending out fake emails and texts asking for your bank account information under the guise that they need this to send you your relief check.

Stay Vigilant & Aware

During these challenging times, it’s necessary to be more vigilant than ever. Remember that if anything looks suspicious or appears to be fake, it likely is. Do not click on links in emails or on your phone and do not set up any personal accounts on government websites. Stay up to date with your trusted news source. Remember that just like the IRS, the CDC, WHO and other official government agencies will not call or text you.

All Points Mobile Shredding is here to help you protect you against ID theft. We are a family-owned company that has been serving South Florida for more than 25 years. Check our blog often for tips and information about ways to ensure your confidential information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. For more information, fill out this form or give us a call today.