Coronavirus Scams: How To Recognize And Avoid A Scam

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With every day bringing frightening news about the coronavirus pandemic, most people are understandably scared and confused. Unfortunately, this creates ripe conditions for scammers. They prey on the public’s’ hunger for information and desire to keep themselves and their family safe. While some scams are easy to spot, others are tough to detect. Forget Nigerian princes; we have seen many sophisticated scams from our virtualgeeks.net clients that would be easy for people to fall for.

When you are a virtualgeeks.net customer, we will do remote computer repairs to remove scammers’ viruses and malware.

Coronavirus Scam

What Kind Of Coronavirus Scams Should I Look Out For?

The coronavirus scams can occur in quite a few different ways. They might occur by:

  • Email
  • SMS
  • Websites
  • Pop-ups
  • Fake products

A lot of companies are trying to protect their customers from these scams. Amazon, for example, have been removing products that claim to protect people from coronavirus. A lot of email providers have also tightened up their spam filters, but a few will slip through the cracks. This is why it is important to be vigilant and be critical of the information you see.

What Are Some Common Email Coronavirus Scams?

Here are some of the coronavirus scams we’ve seen so far from our remote computer repair customers.

  • Emails that seem to be from a trusted organization. There have been a number of emails that seem to be from organizations like the World Health Organization or the CDC. The email will be very to the point and include a link to a website or PDF with more information about how to stay safe. When you click on the link, it will install a malware or virus onto your computer.
  • Fake tests. One of the most common coronavirus scams is an email asking people to prepay for a coronavirus test so they can go to the hospital to be tested. People are showing up to hospitals for their test only to find out they are a victim of a scam.
  • Emails asking for donations. Another tactic scammers use to get your money is to pretend to be the CDC or health organization and ask for donations. These emails look convincing, and it is hard to tell if they are fake. It is important to remember that these companies would never have access to your email address unless you gave it to them.
  • Emails that ask you for personal details. These emails can seem to be from the government or a health insurance provider. They will ask for you to give personal details that may be used to steal your identity or scam you out of your money. These organizations would never ask you to give personal details out over email.

When you are a virtualgeeks.net customer, we will do remote computer repairs to remove scammers’ viruses and malware.

Coronavirus Scam Websites

What Are Some Common Coronavirus Scam Products?

There are a number of fake products that spring up by opportunistic people looking to make some quick money. Unfortunately, the products are at best fake, and in the worst-case scenario can actually be harmful to your health. A number of fake tests and vaccines have already surfaced on Amazon and scam websites. These claim to be from the World Health Organization and that you are only paying for the postage. The goal of these websites is to get your credit card details.

What Are Some Common Coronavirus Scam Websites?

Scammers will set up websites that appear to be genuine. These websites can do all manner of things, sell dodgy products, pretend to fundraise for front line staff, or be full of links to install malware on your computer. It is best to take information on these websites with a pinch of salt. At the very best they’re likely to have inaccurate information or conspiracy theories, at worst they might contain viruses or scam money through selling non-existent or false products.

Coronavirus Scams

How To Spot A Coronavirus Scam?

While the emails and websites scammers use can look very convincing, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. The presence of any of these could mean the email, product, or website is a coronavirus scam.

  • Urgent language. Scam emails are designed to make you click the link, and the most popular tactic is to scare you into it. They will use an urgent tone, telling you to hurry, there are only 100 coronavirus test kits left.
  • Bad spelling or grammar. Any emails claiming to be from an organization such as the CDC or WHO that has bad grammar is an instant red flag. Teams of people at these companies would review any email communication, so there would rarely be mistakes.
  • Unsolicited emails. Receiving an email from a company you don’t have an account with is a red flag. The same thing goes for organizations like the CDC and WHO; if you haven’t given them your email address, they won’t be able to email you. They could only have your email if you have signed up for their newsletter, bought a product from them, or have an account with them.
  • Too good to be true. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It is unlikely that coronavirus test kits or vaccines would be circulating on the internet, especially not for free. If it seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam.

Remote Computer Repair: How Can We Help You?

Virtualgeeks.net is a team of experts who specialize in remote computer repairs. We can help you solve any problems without you having to leave the comfort of your home. By purchasing our monthly plan, you will have our experts on hand to help you with all your computer repair needs. We are able to diagnose and remove viruses and malware that scammers install quickly and easily. No more trying to explain the problem over the phone; our experts will access your computer and fix it for you.

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