Cifas warns home workers to be vigilant of scams following upsurge in coronavirus fraud attempts

• Cifas sees nearly twenty-fold increase in online activity around coronavirus scam over three week period

Cifas, the UK’s leading fraud prevention service, is warning people working from home to be extra vigilant of fraud following a huge surge in coronavirus scams.

The warning comes as Cifas sees a huge spike in online activity around coronavirus. On March 1st 2020 there were just 3,000 internet domains containing the phrase ‘coronavirus’, and this shot up to more than 57,000 by March 22nd – just three weeks later.

Cifas has also seen an increase in cold callers purporting to be internet service providers threatening to shut off a homeowner’s WiFi if they refuse to pay a fictitious outstanding amount. These fraudsters are typically preying on employees working from home during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as older householders who are being forced to self-isolate.

In addition, Cifas has also seen an increase in emails from fraudsters impersonating CEOs or IT departments asking employees for access to their device and to share their screen information. Once they gain access, criminals are stealing banking and personal information which can be used to steal the victim’s funds and identity.

Emails and texts purporting to be from government departments including HMRC offering grants and advice for workers and business owners affected by the coronavirus pandemic are also currently in circulation. These usually ask for personal information or contain a link that once downloaded, infiltrates a person’s device with malicious malware.

Along with the influx of fraudulent online scams, there has also been a serious increase in door to door scams. These scams range from asking for donations to a fake or non-existent charity, to offering fake Covid-19 vaccines and medication, which is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Cifas is advising:

• If you receive an email asking you to download any updates in relation to working from home, then call your IT department to ensure it is legitimate.
• Ensure all your security settings on all your devices are up to date.
• Treat with suspicion any text/email/phone call from someone purporting to be from government offering financial help or a tax refund. Visit GOV.UK to check out how genuine schemes will operate.

Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, said: ‘Fraudsters are always looking for new opportunities to steal money and information, and there is a great deal of evidence to show that they are specifically targeting homeworkers and preying on their anxiety during the coronavirus crisis.

‘Employees working from home need to take a moment to stop and think before responding to any request for personal or financial information, even if they believe it is coming from their employer. Don’t be afraid to challenge a request if you cannot confirm it is legitimate, and remember that only criminals will try to rush or panic you into a decision.

‘More than ever, people need to be hyper-vigilant of fraudulent activity and not let criminals take advantage of their fear during this difficult time.’

Keith Rosser, Director of REED Group Risk & Reed Screening, said: ‘During these unprecedented times when businesses are having to react to the pandemic, and work forces are having to adjust to this new home working world of work, there are plenty of opportunities for fraudsters to capitalise.

‘Phishing and mandate fraud are two ways fraudsters could take advantage of this situation and pretend to be IT Departments to get information out of employees. Employees will need to be hyper vigilant and companies should be communicating during this time more than ever with their workforce to make them aware of the dangers.’

Anyone that believes they have been the victim of a scam must contact their bank or financial service provider immediately and report the fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.

ENDS

Corinne Gladstone
Head of Communications, Cifas 
T: +44 (0)20 3004 3654
E: corinne.gladstone@cifas.org.uk

Notes to editors

The National Cyber Security Centre recently published advice to help organisations manage the cyber security challenges of increased home working during the COVID-19 outbreak.

REED Global the UK's largest employment agency, and offers training, outsourcing and HR consultancy services. For more information visit www.reed.co.uk.

Additional details around domain activity can be found here: www.domaintools.com/resources/blog/free-covid-19-threat-list-domain-risk-assessments-for-coronavirus-threats

About Cifas

Cifas is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation that protects businesses and individuals through effective and secure data and intelligence sharing between the private, public and third sectors. In 2018, Cifas member organisations prevented over £1.4 billion of fraud losses.

Cifas data is included in the Office of National Statistics England and Wales Crime Statistics of police recorded crime and works alongside law enforcement agencies in tackling fraud. Cifas also offers Protective Registration for individuals whose identities are at risk of being used fraudulently. We also run a scheme called Protecting the Vulnerable, offered free of charge to local authorities to protect those under the care of Court Deputies who are unable to access financial products and whose identities may be at risk.

Contact us at press@cifas.org.uk