More than 250 fake apps and 125 malicious pages have been discovered on the Internet with the aim of scamming subjects involving the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey was carried out by the dfndr lab, a laboratory specializing in digital security at PSafe, which has been monitoring cyber crimes on the new coronavirus since February. The company’s research indicates that, after the Federal Government announced the registration of Emergency Aid in the first week of April, the blows became even more common and reached up to 11 million hits and shares.
- Coup with emergency aid deceives 7 million Brazilians
- #FiqueEmCasa: know how to protect yourself from scams during quarantine
With the pandemic of the new coronavirus, offers like payment of aid grants, distribution of mask kits and gel alcohol, free beer and even subscription on Netflix have been recurring, circulating mainly as chains on WhatsApp. Check out some of the frequent scams below and learn how to prevent yourself.
In a time of pandemic of the new coronavirus, WhatsApp blows about 11 million shares – Photo: Carolina Ochsendorf / dnetc
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Citizen Aid Program 2020
The fake “Citizen Aid Program 2020” was quickly shared by WhatsApp from March 19. A message accompanied by a link serves as bait for people to fall for the scam, which appropriates government measures in progress. In this case, she was going through the “Citizen Aid 2020”, supposed program that would guarantee the monthly aid of R $ 200 for self-employed workers and people of low income.
The Federal Government started registering Citizenship Assistance, which provides monthly help in the amount of R $ 200 to self-employed workers and low-income people to help fight CORONAVIRUS. Check if you are entitled to the benefit.
The Special Secretariat for Social Development denied the current on the 22nd of the same month.
‘Coronavirus aid’ and other scams have been applied on WhatsApp – Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc
From a real action by Ambev, which produced alcohol gel and distributed it in large quantities to fight the pandemic, a new coup promising the original products was disseminated by WhatsApp. From the malicious link, the victim should answer a questionnaire with questions like «Do you really need this?», To provide personal data and share the scam with other contacts.
AMBEV in the fight against COVID-19 is distributing free alcohol gel in all cities in the country. They have made available a website to check the distribution points, but they are few units per person.
Heineken voucher? WhatsApp scam promises free beer – Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc
As of April 16, the “Heineken Voucher” scam had hit up to 159,000 people. With the footprint of the #FiqueemCasa campaign coupled with the number of lives made on digital platforms, the coup promised the free withdrawal of up to four units of Heineken barrel with free draft beer. Fake content can be a phishing data theft strategy.
HEINEKEN – STAY HOME with 4 Barrels of Beer Free. In response to requests, we will distribute beer. Lookoooo!
The company was contacted by dnetc and clarified that «Heineken® claims that the promotion that has been circulating via WhatsApp in the last few days is false. The brand’s recommendation is not to open the link in question».
WhatsApp scam promises free Netflix during coronavirus – Photo: Rubens Achilles / Tech
Netflix did not guarantee the release of the platform during the Covid-19 pandemic. On March 19, however, cybercriminals spread the false news that there was a registration for this to be possible, with few vacancies, followed by a link. Another fraudulent phishing strategy.
Netflix decided to release access to its platform of films and series for the period of isolation from people, but registration is for a short time! Run on the site
Ministry of Health launches bot on WhatsApp to disseminate information about the coronavirus – Photo: Beatriz Cardoso / dnetc
In order not to fall for these scams, it is necessary to take some precautionary measures, such as distrusting sensational messages and not providing your data by phone, e-mails or SMS. In the case of Heineken or Netflix, you should go to the official websites and check if there is any content about the promotion you received.
In late March, the Ministry of Health launched in partnership with WhatsApp a bot for the application, which provides guidance on the new coronavirus. After sending a “hi” to the number (61) 9938-0031, the user has access to a menu with ten options of topics about the pandemic. Among them, there is the ninth item, “Fake or truth?”, Focused on removing doubts about the veracity of the contents received by the citizen. It is also possible to talk to the institution from the direct address of the campaign: «bit.ly/sauderesponde» (without quotes).
In addition, keep your phone, whether Android or iPhone (iOS), protected with antivirus software installed.
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