The public have been warned to be aware of the potential for fraudsters to
exploit the spread of Covid-19 to carry out scams.
An Garda Síochána has warned that these scams may be carried out either
online or in person and could include phishing, social engineering scams or
fraudulent selling.
We would like to make the public aware of the possibility for fraudsters
exploiting the spread of Coronavirus to carry out scams. The main types of
scams include Phishing, Social Engineering Scams and Fraudulent Selling. For
information document go to:
<https://t.co/kOYkixEovc> http://www.garda.ie/!MVV257 ;
In a statement, the gardaí warned that phishing is where a company or person
receives an unsolicited email, text, WhatsApp message or telephone call
claiming to be from a legitimate organisation.
These communications will contain an attachment containing what it claims is
vital information regarding Covid-19 and prompting the receiver to open the
attachment.
It can also ask the victim to enter email login details to assess this vital
information and in both ways, can lead to malware infecting the computer.
As a result people are advised never to open attachments in unsolicited
emails and ensure your computer has the most up to date anti-virus software
installed.
People are also urged to be aware of scams where criminals attempt to
exploit the charitable nature of people via social media or in person asking
for donations to so-called charitable causes.
The criminal could be posing as a collector for a real charity or could set
up online funding campaigns.
The public are encouraged to only ever donate to legitimate, recognised
charities. If they encounter a person claiming to be from a charity, look to
see their ID and collection permit. If in doubt, do not contribute.
Gardaí also warn that criminals may try to fraudulent sell in-demand medical
supplies like facemasks or hand sanitiser online.
These goods may be offered for sale on legitimate second-hand selling sites,
via fake website or via social media sites.
In all cases the fraudster will ask for the money to be transferred into a
bank account, or seek a deposit or even payment up front.
These goods are then not delivered or counterfeit goods are delivered.
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