Similar to the COVID themed phishing messages seen earlier this year (you can read about those here), reports are emerging that similar messages are being received with a newer theme of “COVID Vaccines”.
Exploiting fears that shortages may occur, known phishing messages compel recipients to reserve their place in line to get the vaccine by following a link and logging in to site. Others may exploit some of the basic questions and concerns that people have about the several vaccines currently on the verge of widespread distribution:
- How soon will a vaccine be available?
- Will it be safe?
- How can I get it?
- When can I get it?
- How much will it cost?
- Should I get it?
These tips can help navigate tricky scam attempts:
- Be wary of messages with a sense of urgency requesting action on the part of the recipient, especially if you weren’t expecting an e-mail from the purported sender.
- Hover your cursor over the link or button before clicking, look at the URL the link would take you to and think about whether it aligns with the purported sender.
- Does the e-mail contain grammar that doesn’t align with the purported sender?
- Never accept unexpected multi-factor (DUO/MFA) prompts.