A new email fraud comprises a dubious link that requests bank account information from Gmail and Hotmail subscribers. After visiting it, a fraudulent website offering free omicron PCR testing would appear, prompting customers to obtain COVID-19 kits as soon as possible.
The Omicron Email Scam has infiltrated Gmail and Hotmail users
The UK watchdog warned in an updated report published on Saturday, December 11, that hackers are on the rise due to the prevalence of the new coronavirus type. Furthermore, they take advantage of the epidemic to defraud those who are looking for a free omicron testing kit.
The catch is that you will not be able to proceed through the webpage unless you provide your bank account information. A member of Individual Protection Solutions just reported this widespread effort.
According to Charlie Shakeshaft, the organization’s creator, the new scheme takes use of people’s fear of the omicron train. He described it as “especially sinister” in an interview with The Sun.
“They’re targeting folks who are desperate for a test before the masses to persuade them to act quickly,” Shakeshaft explained.
How to Avoid the Omicron Email Scam
People who are vulnerable to the omicron variant are the most regular victims of this email scam. They would most likely go to the shady site in the hopes of receiving a guaranteed test kit for the ailment.
According to another Threat Post story, the cyberattackers who send the hoax email make consumers assume it is from the NHS’s official account. They advise customers to perform this free PCR test in order to “avoid” more limitations.
The hackers also advised the victims that they could now “travel freely and safely.” Untested persons, on the other hand, will be ordered to remain in their houses.
In response, the NHS issued a warning to consumers about “fake emails” requesting their bank account information. They advise the public to be aware of these text messages by taking the following precautions:
- In the email, do not include any financial information.
- Please do not on any of the links in the text message.
- By going here, you can report any suspected scam email to the National Cyber Security Center.
Previous Phishing Attack on Gmail
According to Tech Times, millions of Gmail and Outlook users were duped into an email scam involving a fraudulent product transaction in September. The perpetrator of the vishing assault will send an email to the victims, pushing them to transfer over their private information to an anonymous sender.
The same news site said that the Frontier Software ransomware outbreak affected SA government officials. The most recent cyber attack concerns the theft of personal information from government employees of a corporation.