It’s an unfortunate truth that some people will try and take advantage of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is why everyone should be aware of potential scams. One such scam, known as a phishing scam, can affect anyone living in Phoenix, AZ. This type of scam involves a fake company promising a place in line for the coronavirus vaccine and requesting your personal information to sign up. They may contact you via email or text, so it’s important that you know what to look out for.
If a scammer gets a hold of your personal and financial information, this could cause a whole litany of problems. They may use your desperation for a coronavirus vaccine to gain access to your personal device or steal money. Being aware of the tactics of scammers is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is a phishing scam?
As mentioned above, a phishing scam usually involves scammers creating a fake company in order to get people’s personal and financial information. They might use the promise of a job offer or, in recent cases, the promise of a new vaccine or medication. If you end up falling for a phishing scam, they could sell your information or gain access to your banking account.
There are several different methods that scammers will use in order to obtain your information, which will be discussed more in the section below.
How scammers have been contacting victims
Scammers utilize many different types of technology when trying to find phishing scam victims in Phoenix, AZ and all over the globe. Many times, they may contact you via email or text to say that they can sell you a coronavirus vaccine or offer you a place in line. If you respond, then the scammer will likely request several pieces of personal information. Sometimes, these messages will also contain malware that allows the scammer access to your computer.
Another method scammers have been using to scam those that need vaccines is by creating legitimate-seeming ads that offer people the opportunity to buy a vaccine online.
How to watch out for phishing scams
While many people know what to look for when it comes to phishing scams, its important to remember that almost anyone could fall for one. Scammers create legitimate-seeming companies that offer promises that seem almost too good to pass up. That being said, there are plenty of ways to avoid these types of scams.
When it comes to the coronavirus vaccine, it’s important that you only follow the information given by reputable sources, including your local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, you shouldn’t give out personal information unless you’re absolutely sure it is being requested by a legitimate entity.
What to do if you have been scammed
If you think malware has made its way onto your computer thanks to a phishing scam, be sure to bring your computer to a reputable repair company for virus removal. It’s also important that you change all your passwords and install a strong antivirus program on your computer.
For all your computer repair needs, contact GeekForce.biz in Phoenix, AZ today. We have top experts on staff that will provide you with the best service.