The link directs victims to a fake Microsoft login page. It is designed to look like it's from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and even uses one of their legitimate email addresses, but has in fact been sent via a spoofing tool. One subject line reads: Covid-19 - now airborne, increased community transmission. ĭuring this pandemic, fake websites posing as Netflix have doubled, and the Better Business Bureau has reported an influx of fake Netflix pages, subscription renewal requests, and scammers posing as cable companies offering bundles of streaming services.
#Phishing emails and fake virus test how to
Here are instructions for how to do that.
#Phishing emails and fake virus test code
This means that you have to enter a code texted or otherwise provided to you, to access your email account. Enable two-factor authentication for your email account.Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information.īe wary of any messages that communicate a tremendous sense of urgency, pressure you into bypassing or ignoring security policies and procedures, or promote miracle cures. Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations.If you pay using these apps and it turns out to be a scam, the app and your credit card company can't do much to get your money back, since it's up to the recipient of the payment to issue a refund. Avoid using peer-to-peer payment services like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle if you're paying a stranger for a product or service.Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.If you receive an email from your child’s school that has links, attachments, or looks different from previous communications, call the school at a phone number you know to be correct. The best way to see where a link will take you is to hover your mouse cursor over it to reveal the true web address. The CDC, WHO, and other organizations and experts do not communicate updates to the public via email, unless you signed up for notifications.Īvoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious charges or transfers. If you see unauthorized payments on your credit card or bank account, you will need to contact the bank or the financial institution to have them reverse the unauthorized charge to your account.Use trusted sources-such as legitimate, government websites-for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19. Never enter payment information on a site that isn't secure. Ensure that a website is secure by checking to see whether there is an “s” after the http in the address ( and a lock icon at the bottom of the screen – both are indicators that the site is secure.Double check the message: Look for false “from” and “subject” lines, spelling errors and grammar mistakes.Go directly to a company’s published website if asked to fill out information.This goes for attachments and links, too. Only open emails from a sender you know and trust.Read emails carefully, checking to make sure you know the sender. This is typically general information the scammers got from another source. Includes small pieces of your personal information: Some personal information may be included.Displays low resolution images: Scammers usually build fake sites quickly using forged company logos, signatures and styles, and this shows in the lower quality of the sites.All caps: Scammers often use capital letters to get your attention.
Poor spelling and grammar: Cybercriminals often don’t catch spelling errors in an email.Crooks may create a fake website with a slight misspelling in the business name to catch you. Incorrect URL: Check to make sure the site address is accurate.Is not a secure site: The website will be missing the lock symbol at the bottom of the screen and will not include an “s” after “http” in the web address.Uses a public internet account: If the email is from a public account, such as Yahoo or Gmail, but claims to be from your bank or other business, do not trust the email.
Check these warning signs when you are not sure of an email: