Avoid Online Scams while Working from Home

As many of us are working from home because of COVID-19, scammers are upping their game. Here are some tips to stay safe… please share them with your employees and family members.  

Working from home? Don’t let online scams get the best of you or your family. 

You probably know the usual online scam suspects… a Nigerian prince needing help transferring money, threatening calls from the IRS, etc. Scammers are taking advantage of COVID-19 and stay at home orders to target businesses with remote workers and employees working from home.  

Practicing awareness and cyber-safety will drastically reduce your risk, and it’s easy to do. Here are some tips to avoid the latest online scams as you work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic:  

1. Don’t click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. These are ways scammers use to get your credentials or infect your computer with viruses and ransomware. 
2. When looking up information about COVID-19 or any other news-worthy topics, only use trusted sources such as government websites for up-to-date information. Several fake COVID-19 sites have already popped up that steal personal information or install malware on your computer. 
3. Never respond to requests or give personal or financial information via email.  
4. Verify all charities before donating. Scammers are calling and sending emails or messages requesting donations for bogus charities. 
5. Make sure you’re implementing Cyber Security Risk Management best practices in your business. If you need help with Cyber Security for your Colorado business, please contact us and we’ll set up a free consultation.  

Source: US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2020/03/06/defending-against-covid-19-cyber-scams 

Pro-IS is an IT services company based in Northern Colorado. We serve small and medium businesses in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and the surrounding area. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Pro-IS is working to educate the public with cyber-safety and IT-related information. Contact us to learn more, or explore our services here.