Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Stay alert to phishing & social engineering attempts
It's sad but true - the widespread concern and publicity surrounding the coronavirus is being exploited by cyber attackers. They are launching global scams to socially engineer you into revealing (y)our information via phishing emails and bogus calls.
Phishing – don't take the bait!
Phishing – don't take the bait!
What to look out for?
- Emails are likely to promote miracle cures, give you the latest updates on the outbreak or pretend to be from an official agency giving you best practice advice to entice you to open a malicious attachment or open a link.
- Emails that communicate a heightened sense of urgency. Hackers are trying to rush you into making a mistake!
What can you do?
Be wary of unusual and/or unsolicited requests, even if they appear to be from someone you may know.
Inspect the items, such as an unusual sender address or an urgent email tone. If it seems odd, it probably is!
Never click on any links or download any attachments if you're unsure about the sender and/or the request.
If you suspect you've received a phishing email in the name of UBS about the coronavirus outbreak, please report it here.
Remember! For official updates on the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, consult official sources such as the World Health Organization or reputable news agencies. It's best to access these websites directly rather than clicking on any links within an email.
Bogus Calls – do you know who you're talking to?
Bogus Calls – do you know who you're talking to?
What to look out for?
- Imposters may pretend to be a colleague, an official from a health agency or government with the aim to manipulate your trust to give a stranger the benefit of the doubt.
- They will often urge you to take immediate action and may ask for sensitive information such as date of birth or medical conditions.
What can you do?
Never provide any non-public information, including staff information, to callers that you don't know.
If you feel uncomfortable, end the call quickly and ask for a number to call back on.
If the suspicious caller asks you to visit a specific website, let them know that you can't; for instance because access to it is blocked.
If you suspect that you've been the victim of a bogus call in the name of a legitimate company, then report the call to that company via a known official number.
Some scams may pretend to be fake charities asking you to donate. If you do wish to donate to a charity, it's best to make the donation by visiting the charity's official website or by calling them on a known documented number.
