Gardai issue warning over scammers exploiting spread of Covid-19

An Garda Siochana have warned the public to be aware of the possibility for fraudsters exploiting the spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus to carry out scams either online or in person. The main types of scams include Phisihng, Social Engineering Scams and Fraudulent Selling/Trading.

What is Phishing / Smishing / Vishing?
This is where a company or person receives an unsolicited email, text, WhatsApp message or
telephone call claiming to be from a legitimate organisation. These communications will contain an
attachment containing vital information regarding the Covid-19 virus and prompting the receiver to
open the attachment. It can also ask the victim to enter email login details to assess this vital
information and in both ways, can lead to malware infecting the computer.

Advice:
Never open attachments in unsolicited emails and ensure your computer has the most up to date
anti-virus software installed. Companies are advised to educate staff on the proper procedure for
answering and dealing with customers, invoices, direct payments and never change a payment
system as a result of an email or an unexpected phone call.

What are Social Engineering Scams?
This is where criminals exploit the charitable nature of people via social media or in person asking
for donations to so called charitable causes. The criminal could be posing as a collector for a real
charity or could set up online funding campaigns.

Advice:
People should be wary of unsolicited requests and only ever donate to legitimate, recognised
charities. If they encounter a person claiming to be from a charity, look to see their ID and collection
permit. If in doubt do not contribute and contact Gardaí. 

What is Fraudulent Selling / Trading?
In these type of cases fraudsters are selling in demand medical supplies or everyday household
goods that may be in short supply .They may offer such goods for sale on legitimate 2nd had sales
sites, via fake websites created, via cloned websites created to look like legitimate sites or via
social media sites. In all such cases the fraudster will ask for the money to be transferred into a bank
account, or seek a deposit or even payment up front. These goods are then not delivered or
counterfeit goods are delivered.

Advice:
Only purchase from legitimate vendors. Ensure you are on the legitimate sites and not cloned ones.
Do your research, open up websites by searching online yourself rather than following links sent
you in emails or messages. People are also advised to be wary of rushed offers, time critical selling
as these are indicators of potential fraud. system as a result of an email or an unexpected phone call.