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Scammers and fraudsters are targeting Canadians with false claims that they can sell COVID-19 vaccine, or can help people jump the COVID vaccine line

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As the pandemic goes on, fraudsters are adapting their COVID schemes for scamming individuals online. First, it was fake face masks and toilet paper supplies. Then it was false COVID tracking apps. Now its offers of vaccines.

Cyber security companies are joining the government in warning Canadians to remain vigilant and to be mindful of scammers taking advantage of peoples fears during the pandemic.

Evan Koronewski, the spokesman for Canadas Communications Security Establishment, said this uncertain environment is ripe for exploitation by bad actors seeking to advance their own interests.

Cyber threat actors of varying motivations and sophistication continue to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic as a thematic lure or ploy for their malicious activities, such as cybercrime.

They continue to use COVID-19 as an effective lure to encourage victims to visit fake web sites, open e-mail attachments, and click on text message links, he said.

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Last December, the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre issued a warning on its website of scams and frauds linked to COVID-19 vaccines, and that individuals should not buy vaccines online or from unauthorized sources.

The website warns against purchasing anything from private companies selling products that claim to be a vaccine or cure unapproved drugs it says should be reported to authorities as they are a threat to public health. The warning also emphasizes not to trust calls alleging to be from private companies or health-care providers offering home vaccination kits for prepaid fees.

Fraudulent calls, websites and apps posing as coronavirus trackers, it says, may be phishing attacks or scams that trick individuals to reveal personal financial details.

Since March 2020, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Securityhas removed over 5,500 fraudulent sites or e-mail addresses, including web sites impersonating the Government of Canada Public Health Agency and the Canada Revenue Agency,says Koronewski.

The Canadian Bankers Association also warns on their website that emails and phone calls asking for personal information are attempts to have victims volunteer personal details, including credit card information, to criminals. They caution against installing COVID19 notification apps that can actually be malicious malware, or trusting calls from fraudsters offering home vaccination kits for a fee. The calls and emails may look and sound authentic, they say, and some email scams may include logos or branding for the World Health Organization or other government or public health agencies.

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People are advised to hang up if they are not expecting related calls or are not able to verify who is on the line requesting information, and to never send personal or financial information by email, the CBA website warns.

Tony Anscombe, chief security officer at ESET, an internet security company, said his company tracks phishing activity, and has noted a rise in vaccine-related campaign related to the fears of vaccine scarcity.

While fraudsters are mainly targeting individuals, companies are also at risk, he said. Bad actors impersonate pharmaceutical companies, and set up fake COVID-19 websites, proposing business proposals to help store and distribute vaccines, looking to collect business and personal information from victims.

Most email and phone call scams are attempts to have people volunteer their personal information to criminals, such as credit card details, but some cyber scams also attempt to trick people into installing malware on their computer or mobile device.

A red flag, said Anscombe, is when they are offering something that is normally hard to get, such as a vaccine shot.Also beware anyone asking for payment or making an appointment. Dont open the emails, just delete them, said Anscombe.

If someone has given their personal information or bank information to a suspected fraudster, he recommended they immediately contact their bank. There might be a small window before any fraudulent transactions go through.

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Experts warn of growing number of COVID-19 scams preying on pandemic fears and vaccine shortages - National Post