Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails

Pandemic Scam  Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails

Online scammers are taking advantage of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic by sending out fake awareness or donation emails like the one below. The fake emails ask recipients to click on a link that goes a fake or cloned WHO (World Health Organization) website. But, on the fake website, visitors will be asked to enter their email account credentials. But, if they do, their email account credentials will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the fake emails.

Also, scammers are sending out messages claiming recipients were selected to receive a grant or donation from the World Health Organization (WHO). The scammers ask their potential victims to send money, which they claim is for taxes or fees, in order to receive their so-called grant or money. But, if the money is sent, the victims will never receive the money they were promised.

A Fake COVID-19 Email

WHO Corona virus Awareness

Wed 2/5/2020 8:52 AM

From: medicasupport@who.com

Dear Sir,

Go through the attached document on safety measures regarding the spreading of corona virus.

Click on the button below to download

Safety measures

Symptoms common symptoms include fever,coughcshortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Regards,

Dr. ##UNAME##

Specialist wuhan-virus-advisory

Althought the fake email appears as if it came from WHO, it was actually spoofed and sent from another email address being used by the cybercriminals. And, the link in the fake email goes to the following fake WHO website created by the cybercriminals:

Fake WHO World Health Organization Website

Once the cybercriminals have received the stolen credentials, they will use it to gain access to their potential victims' accounts, hijack and use them fraudulently. Therefore, online users who have been tricked by the fake WHO email are asked to change their account passwords before their accounts are hijacked.

It is recommended that online users go directly to The World Health Organization's website at https://www.who.int/ for information about the Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV), instead of clicking on a link in an email, which may be a link to a phishing website that steals personal information and account credentials.

Check the comment section below for additional information, share what you know, or ask a question about this article by leaving a comment below. And, to quickly find answers to your questions, use our search Search engine.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

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June 8, 2020 at 8:49 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"From: Maria del Pilar Schreiber Bisso <mschreiber@devida.gob.pe>

Date: June 7, 2020 at 7:46:54 AM MST

Subject: UNDF CASH DONATION (COVID-19)

UNDF CASH DONATION (COVID-19)

Hello Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to notify you that you have been officially chosen by the Board of The United Nation Development Fund(UNDF) as one of the recipients of the sum of £2,700,000.00 (two million, Seven hundred thousand Pound Sterling's) to you as part of the Grant/Donation for Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation Scheme.

Contact attorney for more Details

Name: Dr.Filip Dominik

Email : dr.filipdominikk@aol.com

Best Regards

Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif

Head.UNHSP

UNHSP (2020)

unhabitat.org."

Here is another scam.

Delete

May 30, 2020 at 11:07 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"From: Mr Peter Benson <susan_sanders@hughes.net>

Date: May 29, 2020 at 3:47:08 PM MST

Subject: Attention this is from UN board

Reply-To: Mr Peter Benson <officefile1216@aol.com>

Attention dear this is Mr Peter Benson your payment officer from UN I am contacting you regarding your corona virus lock down compensation fund and the UN board has pay for the delivery fee as the sender and the only delay right now is just the $25 which will be use for the stamping fee and that is the only delay now so without wasting time you are to send the fee.

You’re hereby advise to provide your correct or current contact information as listed below

FULL NAMES...

CONTACT ADDRESS...

COUNTRY...

AGE...

S*X...

MOBILE NUMBER...

Please you can contact me back on my email by clicking your Reply and Remember to stay safe.

Regards

Mr Peter Benson

Homeland Security US Department

Office Address: 300 7th St SW,

Washington, DC 20024, United States

Text message number 231-642-4443"

Here is another scam.

Delete

May 7, 2020 at 2:53 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"From: Frances and Patrick Connolly <frapat.911@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, May 7, 2020, 1:44 AM

Subject: Re: Hello Michelle Antioquia,

Hello Michelle Antioquia,

Your email address was among the emails that was submitted to us for our Covid-19 charity project, so if you have received our mail know that you are one of the lucky individual.

We have duly processed your file and forward to our Barrister for payment.We have authorized our Barrister who is now also our legal adviser to issue you an international Certified Bank Cheque cash-able at any Bank in your Country.or Wire Transfer to your Bank account but you have to follow his instruction's.

Please, I want you to contact our Barrister for the collection of this international Certified Bank Cheque or wire transfer immediately without delay.

The name and contact address of our Barrister is as follows.

Name:Barrister Lee Surasat.

Fidelity Lee Chambers and Associates.

26TH Floor Gloss Tower,Silom Soi 75.

Bangrak 10500 .Bangkok, Thailand.

Office D: 66990171548

Email: barr.leesu19@gmail.com

You are promptly advised to contact the Barrister immediately for the claim of your $550,000.00 USD, The Barrister will advice and instruct you on how to receive your Certified Bank Cheque or wire transfer.

We will be traveling to Bahamas for an investment project and may not be responding to emails.Please keep us informed as soon as you have cash your funds we will reply once we are back.Attached is your winning certificate forward it to the Barrister too.

Note: You have to keep this highly confidential until you receive your cheque,

Best Regards,

Frances and Patrick Connolly."

Another scam.

Delete

April 25, 2020 at 12:24 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"YOUR COVID-19 ISOLATION/SUPPORT FUND RELEASE NOTIFICATION)

Sat 4/25/2020 3:51 AM

From: "World Health Organization & United nations"

Dear Beneficiary,

Based on The outbreak of COVID-19 which has been declared an emergency in all Country and continues to spread around the globe. The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on people and communities across the country, and people need help.

Following the approval of YOUR COVID-19 ISOLATION/SUPPORT FUND which was attached to your Email with Ref/File NO:(UN/WHO/CORONAVIRUS-2020-SUPPORT/RG641) from The "United Nations(UN)" in Conjunction with "World Health Organization (W.H.O)" to support Citizens World Wide in surviving and fighting the issue of Corona-virus (COVID-19) which have taking lives, reducing movement in different countries and affecting their economy thus making a lot of citizens to be jobless and increasing the rate of Crime.

To receive Your COVID-19 SUPPORT/ISOLATION FUND valued at One Million United States Dollar ($1,000,000.00) from U.N and W.H.O. You are to forward Your Full Name and reference number as your subject STRICTLY TO OUR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE VIA EMAIL: INFO@LPDLAWFIRM.COM and Upon confirmation and Verification of Your details Your fund will be delivered to you without charges as all expenses have been taking care of by the governing body of the UN and W.H.O.

Remember that you are not to expose your Ref/File Number to any one as we will never reveal your personal data to a Third Party.

All you have to do is to forward Your Reference number (Ref/File NO:(UN/WHO/CORONAVIRUS-2020-SUPPORT/RG641) as your subject STRICTLY TO OUR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE VIA EMAIL: INFO@LPDLAWFIRM.COM

Your Sincerely,

COVID-19 SUPPORT/ISOLATION TEAM."

Here is another scam.

Delete

April 15, 2020 at 12:43 AM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"COVID-19 INTERVENTION/ DONATION FUND

Tue 4/14/2020 6:56 PM

From: GREG SANCH charlestagboo@yahoo.com

My client, a Petroleum Project Development Engineer, with ExxonMobil West African Regional Office, and your Country’s Citizen/National who has stayed behind as a result of the menace of COVID-19 Pandemic, and in collaboration with a Non profit organisation[NGO] decided to reach out to as many people as possible to provide palliatives, prevention, cure and provision of basic physiological needs to the worst hit victims in the country while we await improvements in all front against the fight against COVID-19.

He directed my office, which inter alia,is the private legal/notary public firm to the philantropist over years now to Act on his behalf in reaching persons/agencies in your country that will oversee, manage and return an account back on funds utilisation.

The sum of Six Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (USD$6.5M), is currently voted for this excersise while we await donations from other affliate persons/NGOs who have shown sound interests in this excersise.

I am sincerely soliciting for your voluntary, candid Support/Assistance to help us to channel this funds which will come in two tranches to the victims or appropriate agencies that will enhance same dream, while we make arrangements on how new donations/aids from affliate donors are disbursed as they are received. You are entitled to $500,000 on each tranch of the transfers until fully disbursed.

You think you fit in to this novel excersise, you are required to furnish us with the following immediately,(a) Your Full Names and Contact Address, (b) Mobile Numbers (c) Your Occupation (d) company name/place of work.

You will be provided with other briefs/terms and conditions of service in this excersise on reply.

Thanking you for your anticipated cooperation.

Yours faithfully,

GREG SANCH Esq,

ATTORNEY/NOTARY PUBLIC."

Another scam

Delete

April 4, 2020 at 1:12 AM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"UPDATE: Corona Virus (COVID-19) #42451

Sat 4/4/2020 1:00 AM

From: "ANGLO-AMERICAN CHARITY LIMITED" - camilla.coleman@datamarketics.com

THIS MESSAGE IS FROM ANGLO-AMERICAN CHARITY LIMITED.

It's an honor to inform you about the ongoing global donation to fight the Corona virus (COVID-19) World-wide.

Please we need your support/donation to fight the war against Corona Virus (COVID-19), people are dying every day. Please your support/donation is highly needed.

Find below ANGLO AMERICAN CHARITY LIMITED BITCOIN WALLET ADDRESS:

( 1P1XJrBKiJMhZgkKdbKGpxow1KcCNziS6q )

As it only remains the only fastest and recommended means to get your donation/support reach out to us. People in Italy, Spain, France, UK, America e.t.c, is urgently in need of your support.

Thanks for your cooperation/support.

Director,

Katherine Hedges.

THE ANGLO-AMERICAN CHARITY LIMITED

10 Norwich St, Holborn,

London EC4A 1BD, United Kingdom."

Here is another scam.

Delete

April 1, 2020 at 3:50 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"From: Mr. Ralph Wigram <covalcainfo@smtp.covalca.es>

Date: Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 7:50 PM

Subject: Business proposal for you (COVID-19)!

Dear Friend,

I would like to seek your help in a business transaction; I am Mr Ralph Wigram, 58 years of age, I'm a British citizen. I worked with a bank as Supervisor of Bills and Foreign Exchange. Here in our bank there is an existing dormant account for the past 9 years which belong to a late customer (Gene Billings) who died on Egypt Air Flight 990. When I discovered that there had been no deposits or withdrawals from this account for this long period, I decided to carry out a system investigation and discovered that, none of his family member or relation is aware of this account.

Now, I want an account overseas where the bank will transfer these funds. Thereafter, I had planned to destroy all related documents for this account. It is a careful network and for the past eleven months, I have worked out everything to ensure a hitch-free operation. The amount is not so much at the moment and plus all the accumulated Interest the balance in this account stands at (US$10.7 MILLION).

If you can cooperate with me in this transfer, consider this and get back to me as soon as possible. Finally, it is my humble prayer that the information as contained herein been accorded the necessary attention.

PLEASE DROP YOUR FULL NAMES, CURRENT ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER TO ENABLE ME CALL YOU.

Yours,

Mr Ralph Wigram"

Here is another scam.

Delete

April 1, 2020 at 1:18 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"From: LINDO, Betty (UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS OF DERBY AND BURTON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)

Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 9:37 AM

To: dh3@nhs.net

Subject: Contact Email: (barristeradrianp@gmail.com)

I am Mrs. Bella Fishman and I know my message will come to you as a surprise but don't be because I need your help in the disbursement of my family last funds ($9,200,000.00 USD) my husband last wish. And as a victim of Corona-Virus(Covid-19 Virus) i am sending you this mail from my hospital bed. Please do contact my lawyer for more information. Barrister Adrian Peters Email: (barristeradrianp@gmail.com)"

Here is another scam.

Delete

April 1, 2020 at 3:45 AM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"Hello,

In respond to the reduction of the spread of Covid-19 to enable

you manage the situation in your respective environment.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is given out $200,000 (Two

Hundred thousand dollars) and your email was selected as one of

the lucky beneficiary please contact us

worldhealthorganizationonline@minister.com with the following

information.

Full Name:

Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Marital Status:

Copy Of Identification (passport or Driver's License

Thanks.

Barr F Chase"

Here is another scam.

Delete

March 30, 2020 at 10:05 AM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention**IMPORTANT NOTICE**

Mon 3/30/2020 6:20 AM

From: CDC-INFO National COntact Center - Office@cdc.com

Dear

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues embark on close monitoring of an outbreak of a 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China that surfaced in December 2019.

CDC has established a system to prepare and coordinate a domestic and international public health response.

We are Obliged to provide different ways to make available all neccessary information about safety measures and existing cases in your city.

Please kindly download the updated attachement for your knowledge. Please go through the cases above to avoid Potential hazards.

Sincerely

CDC-INFO National COntact Center

National Center for Health Marketing

Division of eHealth Marketing

Centers for Disease control and prevention."

Here is another scam.

Delete

March 28, 2020 at 2:43 PM by
Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails
info

"From: "Obrien, Mary, C" <mobrien@bidplymouth.org>

Date: March 28, 2020 at 3:42:28 AM MST

Subject: RE: Covid-19 Grant

You have been chosen to receive a grant of 550,000 USD from WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION for the fight against Covid 19 Pandemic .Send your reply to : who.fundgrantdpt@gmail.com for more details.

Sincerely

Dr Howard Benard"

Here is another scam.

Delete

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Online Threat Alerts Security Tips

Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

Pandemic Scam: Fake Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Emails