Forewarned is forearmed!

Don’t give fraudsters the slightest chance! Find out about the most recent cyber threats and types of quarantine scam

Selling fake coronavirus stuff

Disinfectants, medicines, vaccines, tests, medical masks, gloves, "anti-coronavirus jam", "disinfectant candles" and the like. Advertised products may be fake or non-existent. Just do not rush to make an advance payment, you should only deal with trustworthy sellers!

Identifying coronavirus “on the block”

Data stealing malware is often hidden in mobile apps alleged to be able to track coronavirus outbreaks in your street, city, country in real time. After installing this application, an outbreak occurs on your phone or computer. The files on the device are blocked. Then criminals demand a ransom. Do not download suspicious apps from unknown developers on your device.

Fraudulent online services (courses, entertainment, delivery, etc.)

Make-Extra-Money-Online courses, foreign language courses, subscription to online cinema and libraries, online fitness and training, mobile apps for food, medicine and alcohol delivery, online consultations with your family doctor, psycho-virologist, and more. Use only well-known apps.

Malicious links to “COVID-19 tracking” websites

When fraudsters send information about COVID-19 distribution by email or via messengers, they insert a link to the website of a “reputable” organization that has an online disease spread map (such as a WHO site), but in fact the link leads to a phishing website that steals logins and passwords. Be vigilant and never enter logins and passwords on unknown websites.

Utility scam

During the quarantine, the number of people who started paying for utilities online increased significantly. So did the number of scam (phishing) websites that operate as online payment services, but in fact, steal money or card details. Always check the address of the website you are using to pay for utility services or, better still, use the online banking or the mobile app by Credit Agricole.

“Your son has been sent under coronavirus observation”

This is an example of COVID-19 customization of a well-known phone scam “Your son has been taken to a police station”. Nowadays, night callers tell self-isolated people that their son, daughter or grandson have been sent for observation. Then the fraudsters on behalf of doctors suggest trying an expensive serum (antitoxin) and give you a card number for money transfer. Never trust such calls. Hang up the phone and call your loved ones yourself.

Checking loan data during the quarantine

Scammers call people on behalf of banks or micro-finance companies allegedly to “check the data to avoid penalties for late loan repayments during the quarantine”. But in fact they swindle card details, bank SMS codes and information for remote bank identification. 

Remember! The bank, the NBU, or the police never ask customers for card details, pin codes, or SMS codes. If you have received such a message or SMS, hand up and call your bank’s Contact center number 0 800 30 55 55 to report the fraud and to obtain the necessary information.

“Your pensioner ID card is invalid” – calls from the “PFU”

“Your pensioner ID card will be invalid during the quarantine”, fraudsters say when calling retired persons already terrified by the coronavirus. And when the confused victim is lost in thought, they immediately offer to transfer the savings to a new card, which was opened in the name of the pensioner.

Fraud in travel industry

There are many fraudulent "refund" services for those who bought trip vouchers, plane tickets, made hotel reservations, etc. before the pandemic, but failed to have rest due to the coronavirus outbreak and worldwide quarantine and are now looking for an opportunity to get their money back. Do not trust strangers who call you or send you promises to return money. Only negotiate with company officials. Be vigilant and always check the contact person who reached out to you and offered a refund.

BEC-attacks: «Our bank account has changed»

A scammer posing as a vendor contacts the company’s employee responsible for paying for the goods by phone or email and notifies him of changes in bank details due to the coronavirus outbreak, and provides his own details for payment. Call the vendor yourself using the official phone number to verify the information.

Mules recruitment. Get ready, mules!

Criminals are taking advantage of the current crisis and are recruiting money mules for various money laundering schemes. Scammers have created a fictitious organization Vasty Health Care Foundation and recruit "launderers" under the guise of combating coronavirus... The scheme is a well-established practice abroad, but we’d better be prepared in advance.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones, and stay healthy!