Internet scammers are trying to cash in on the widespread anxiety over COVID-19, and awareness is the best defense, according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Likewise, the Texas Attorney General’s Office has issued a warning about outbreak-related scams.
Scammers frequently send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites, CISA says. These trick unwary people into revealing sensitive information or donating to phony causes.
“Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19,” the agency said in a statement.
CISA advises people to:
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails;
- Be wary of email attachments and social engineering or phishing scams;
- Use trusted sources – such as government websites – for fact-based information about COVID-19;
- Avoid revealing personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to emails asking for that information; and
- Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on charity scams for more information.
The Texas attorney general’s office website details the different types of internet scams and ways to spot scammers.
Physicians and practice managers are encouraged to review CISA’s Risk Management for COVID-19.
You can also find the latest news, resources, and government guidance on the coronavirus outbreak by visiting TMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center regularly.
Originally published on Texas Medical Association’s website.
Tarrant County Physician Online 