Phishing emails prey on coronavirus fears

Cybercriminals are using a new range of emails designed to prey on fears surrounding the coronavirus, the BBC has reported.

Phishing scams have been reported in numerous languages as fraudsters attempt to obtain bank account details of individuals or businesses, take over their email accounts or monitor their online activity.

Security experts say the spike in the number of scams is the worst they have seen in years.

One type claims the UK and Chinese Governments have been covering up details about a new vaccine. Clicking on the attached document leads to a spoof web page designed to collect login details.

Another purports to notify the recipient of a tax refund due under a new UK Government scheme, but is aimed at inducing them to input their financial and tax information. HMRC never advises taxpayers of rebates in this way.

A third purports to be from the World Health Organisation, with recommended measures to prevent the spread of the disease. But it would infect your computer with malware that can track all your internet use.

And a message bearing to be from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about increased risk of community transmission, is likely to be another attempt to access your email account, while a further variant  asks for donations in bitcoin to help develop a vaccine.