Beware of Cybercrimes during Covid-19

Beware!!

Despite everyone going through the Covid-19 crisis globally, (cyber)criminals are very active at the moment. They often send fake emails, fake text messages and create malicious websites or apps to commit fraud.

Phishing and malware

You may receive an email or text message telling you that the bank wants to give out  a new bankcard (pinpas) on which the Coronavirus cannot survive. Such a message contains a link but rather than being the link to your bank it is a link to a fake website. When you click on the link and fill in your personal details, your computer might get infected and/or these cybercriminals get access to your bank account and can rob you. It is best to delete such emails immediately. The email may seem to come from your bank, but if you look at the email address from where it is sent, you will see it doesn’t come from your bank.

When you want to get access to your bank account, never follow a link but always type in the URL of the bank by yourself.

Fake web shops

There are also many fake web shops offering Coronavirus related products such as masks and gloves. These web shops often only offer the possibility to pay via a link but not in the usual way such as iDeal or PayPal. If you order via such websites you don’t get anything delivered.

Swindlers at the door (babbeltrucs)

It may also happen that a swindler calls at your door with an excuse, e.g. saying he is a nurse or offering to do shopping. Never let any stranger in your house if he comes unannounced. It is essential never to give your bankcard (pinpas) or your pin number (pincode) to anyone else.

You can find very useful tips here to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Click here to find out the EMERGENCY and useful contact information in The Netherlands.

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