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Clients must be cautious about falling prey to spammers ready to prey on unsuspecting people as the search for speedy updates on Covid-19 is being used surreptitiously to lure one onto websites that could trap one into sharing one’s personal details.
Cybercrimes include phishing attacks, spreading malicious software (malware), and stealing login credentials and credit card details. Warnings, in particular about opening documents purporting to be from the World Health Organisation (WHO) or a similar supposedly trusted source, have been doing the rounds.
Key industry player, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), has already issued a warning to bank clients that cybercriminals are exploiting the spread of coronavirus for their own gain using ‘Coronamania’ panic to spread coronavirus scams.
According to SABRIC, these new scams include spoofed emails offering products such as masks, or fake offerings of vaccines, leading to phishing websites. These emails come from seemingly realistic and reputable companies, which manipulate people into clicking on links. Some of these websites prompt the user for personal information, which ends up in the hands of cybercriminals.
Cybercriminals are also using SMS phishing, more commonly known as SMishing, to trick victims into clicking on a link disguised as information on a coronavirus breakout in their area to steal their credentials. Some of these texts claim to provide free masks or pretend to be companies that have experienced delays in deliveries due to the coronavirus.
Once criminals have the correct level of confidential information about a victim’s bank account, they can impersonate the victim and transact using the correct credentials but without authority.
Here are some safety guidelines: