Security News > 2022 > January > COVID test related scam emails still highly popular among cybercriminals

The Omicron variant has contributed to a 521 per cent rise in COVID test related scam emails between October 2021 and January 2022, according to Barracuda Networks.

One of the most common scams include offers to sell counterfeit or unauthorised COVID tests, and other medical supplies such as masks or gloves.

Other scams involve the use of fake notifications of unpaid orders for COVID tests, where scammers provide a PayPal account to receive payments to complete the purchase of rapid COVID tests.

Some scammers have been impersonating labs, testing providers or individual employees sharing fake COVID test results.

"Just like the threat of COVID-19, pandemic-themed scams are not going to disappear overnight, but fortunately there are a number of tactics that businesses and consumers can employ to ensure they remain protected."

"For a start, businesses must leverage sophisticated email security which utilises artificial intelligence to detect and block email attack tactics that are designed to bypass basic gateways and spam filters. Providing employees with up-to-date user awareness training about COVID-related phishing, seasonal scams, and other potential threats is also a vital cyber crime prevention method which must be adopted."

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/01/24/covid-test-scam-emails/