BEWARE! Big jump in Covid-19 test email scams; how they did it and how you can avoid

tech.hindustantimes.com:

With the Omicron variant running rampant across the nation, there has been a sharp increase in Covid-19 test email scams. During the past few weeks, the demand for Covid-19 tests, both RT-PCR (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) and RAT (rapid antigen test), have skyrocketed. This has again created a situation where demand has skyrocketed and hackers have emerged to use this fact to their advantage in order scam people in need of tests and they are doing this through Covid-19 test email scams.

In a recent press release, researchers from Barracuda Networks, a California-based IT-security firm, reported that these Covid-19 test related scams have witnessed an increase of 521% since October 2021. Check out their popular modus operandi and ensure your safety by not falling for similar scams.

With the rise of such Covid-19 test scams, it has become paramount to increase awareness around these scams to ensure your and your loved one’s safety. Highlighting the same and providing a way forward for the public, James Forbes-May, Vice President, APAC at Barracuda Networks said, “Covid-19 has disrupted everyone’s health and mental sanity for almost 2 years now. The latest variant has brought yet another opportunity for the scammers to take advantage of the people seeking COVID-19 tests. So, it is crucial to stay mindful while clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments in these unexpected emails and divulging any personal information when seeking a test, regardless of it being a legitimate site.”

The researchers explained the various methods these hackers use in order to fool unsuspecting victims through email scams.

1. Many such hackers send emails with offers on Covid-19 tests, masks and gloves. Pretending to be