The Directorate for Information Security and Response to Computer Incidents (CIRT) in the Ministry of Public Affairs, through the international exchange of information, obtained information about cases of abuse of the corona virus in cyberspace around the world, announced the Ministry of Public Administration.
They called on citizens to be extra cautious when staying in cyberspace.
Scams related to the virus include:
"Telephone fraud - criminals call victims pretending to be hospital officials, who claim that the victim's relative has fallen ill with a virus and is asking for payment for treatment, and there are also phishing e-mails and messages on social networks that the senders claim come from national or global health organizations with the aim of inducing victims to provide personal information, credit card information, or to open an attachment containing malware," according to the Ministry of Public Administration
As they explain, in many cases fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies using similar names, websites and e-mails, and reach out in order to defraud people.
"Criminal groups are using the fear and uncertainty created by COVID-19 to deceive citizens who just want to protect their health and the health of their loved ones," INTERPOL Secretary General Jurgen Stock said in a statement.
"Anyone thinking about buying medical supplies online should take a moment to make sure they are dealing with a legitimate, reputable company, or your money could be stolen by unscrupulous criminals," concluded the head of INTERPOL. and, it is stated in the announcement.
Recommendations to our citizens are as follows:
"- If you buy medical supplies online, receive e-mails or links that offer medical support, pay attention to who the sender is;
- Always check the company/individual offering the products before purchasing;
- Be aware of fake websites - criminals will often use a web address that looks almost identical to a legitimate one, e.g. 'Abc.org' instead of 'abc.com';
- Check the company's online reviews before buying - for example, have there been complaints from other customers who did not receive the ordered items;
- If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, notify your bank immediately so that the payment can be stopped;
- Watch out for unsolicited e-mails that offer medical equipment or ask for personal information;
- Pay attention to the medical examinations that are offered online," the Ministry of Public Administration said.
"If you are exposed to such scams, contact the national CIRT by email kontakt@cirt.me", the statement concluded.
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