Scammers and cyber criminals are using the tragic Christchurch Mosque shootings as an opportunity to target online users. The cyberthieves are using phishing emails containing links to fake online banking websites that steal banking credentials. These emails also contain fraudulent bank or Bitcoin accounts created by cyber criminals who ask online users to make donations to the Christchurch tragedy. But, these donations will only go to the cyberthieves.
Therefore, it is recommended that anyone wishing to donate to the victims of the Christchurch tragedy, should seek out official platforms and banks rather than using links in emails or on social media.
Also, the scammers and cybercriminals are sharing fake and malicious video files on compromised websites or on social media to trick online users into opening the same file, thinking they will view footage of the shootings. But, they will only infect their computers or mobile devices with spyware, ransomware, viruses or other malware.
The Christchurch mosque shootings were two consecutive terrorist mass shootings at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, during Friday Prayer on March 15, 2019.