Security experts claimed COVID-19 scammers are becoming more rampant than ever, especially since different coronavirus vaccines are being released in different parts of the world.
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Scammers are sending fake COVID-19 vaccine offers through text and email messages in the hope to fool people and siphon the money in their bank accounts. According to CNET's latest report, many people are currently focusing on the latest COVID-19 vaccines, such as those from Pfizer, SinoVac, and other giant companies.
However, while people are putting their attention on the novel coronavirus, hackers and other cyber attackers are making efforts to create vaccine-related phishing campaigns to trick the users into providing their personal information, device access, and their money.
Avoiding COVID-19 related scams
FBI is currently advising people to be aware of text messages, phone calls, or email messages that are offering information about the coronavirus vaccine that comes from an unknown sender. Instead of relying on these means of communications, the people are urged to contact official sources, such as local departments, FDA, state health departments, and their doctors.
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On the other hand, the FBI also warned the public that their health information can be used by the scammers for medical identity theft. The security agency added that people should only provide their health or insurance info to professionals they trust or properly know.
Security researchers further explained that users should always check their insurance claims to make sure that one else is using their health insurance. FBI suggested that people should not trust senders who are providing solicited messages offering Medicare benefits.
Previous COVID-19 text message scam
Express UK previously reported that there is a new NHS COVID-19 text message scam that is circulating. Scammers have started to send out text messages with a link. This will direct you to a form purporting to be from the NHS.
Users said that the message claimed that they are eligible for the vaccine. However, the text message requires them to fill in a form to be processed for the Pfizer or BioNTech vaccine. The form will ask the victim to provide their credit card number and other personal details. This just shows how scammers are now becoming more notorious.
For more news updates about COVID-19 scams and other malicious acts, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.
