Scams on Covid-19 on WhatsApp have 11 million hits and sends | Stay at home

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 alcohol gel, 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 In a time of pandemic of the new coronavirus, WhatsApp blows about 11 million shares Photo: Carolina Ochsendorf / dnetc

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 Programa Auxlio Cidado 2020 was quickly shared by WhatsApp from March 19. A message accompanied by a link serves as bait for people to stay in the scam, which appropriates governmental measures in progress. In this case, she was going through the Auxlio Cidado 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 the registration of Auxlio Cidado which gives a monthly aid in the amount of R $ 200 for self-employed workers and low-income people to help fight CORONAVRUS. 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 support' and other scams have been applied on WhatsApp Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc 'Coronavirus support' and other scams have been applied on WhatsApp Photo: Rubens Achilles / dnetc

'Coronavirus support' 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 combat 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 such as 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 made a website available to check the distribution points, but there are only a few units per person.

Heineken voucher? WhatsApp coup promises free beer Photo: Rubens Achilles / Tech Heineken voucher? WhatsApp coup promises free beer Photo: Rubens Achilles / Tech

Heineken voucher? WhatsApp coup promises free beer Photo: Rubens Achilles / Tech

By April 16, the Heineken Voucher scam had reached 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 Heineken barrel units with free draft beer. Fake content can be a phishing data theft strategy.

HEINEKEN – STAY HOME with 4 Barrels of Free Beer. Taking orders, we will distribute beer. Look at that!

The company was contacted by dnetc and clarified that "Heineken claims that the promotion that has been circulating via WhatsApp for the last few days is false. The brand's recommendation is not to open the link in question".

WhatsApp scam promises Netflix free during coronavirus Photo: Rubens Achilles / Tech WhatsApp scam promises Netflix free during coronavirus Photo: Rubens Achilles / Tech

WhatsApp scam promises Netflix free 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 movie and series platform for the period of isolation of people, but for a short time the registration! Run on the site

Health Ministry launches bot on WhatsApp to disseminate information about the coronavirus Photo: Beatriz Cardoso / dnetc Health Ministry launches bot on WhatsApp to disseminate information about the coronavirus Photo: Beatriz Cardoso / dnetc

Health Ministry 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.

At the end of 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 (61) 9938-0031, the user has access to a menu with ten options of pandemic topics. Among them, is the ninth item, Fake or truth ?, focused on clearing 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).

Also, keep your cell phone, be it Android or iPhone (iOS), protected with antivirus software installed.

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