Scams Amidst Covid-19 Fears

Welcome! Thank you for checking out my blog where I strive to share the latest news and events pertaining to scams to keep you safe and secure.

With my passion for using puppets to depict situations, along with my articles, it is my hope you find this content informative and helpful.

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The Covid-19 Fears exposes a new low for Scammers

Scam artists has the practice of observing worldly events; studying trends in order to prosper in a specific market. 

This is common during the Christmas season when they target the elderly with a grandparent scam in where they pose as a grandchild in need of financial help as a result of an arrest, hospitalization, or vehicle accident. 

Now, with the spread of coronavirus fears on an alarming level, these fraudulent predators are manipulating an assortment of mediums to reap monetary gains in the latest schemes to date. 

Let's take a closer look at these deceitful methods.

Social Media

Currently, there is no medically proven preventative treatment or cure for Covid-19. Yet, advertisements for these “miracle products” are appearing on social platforms at a time when many people are home from work and practicing social distancing. 

Also, a rumor is circulating that government scientists found a vaccine but is keeping it hush-hush for security purposes. That is untrue. Complete rubbish and unfounded. 

Fake Websites

Computer criminals are reaching out to victims with offerings of essential supplies such as masks, gloves, and cleaning products for the protection. 

There is a lack of these supplies in local stores due to the profound paranoia that is compelling people to stock pile these items. 

In reality, not only does this creates a challenge for medical professionals 

who don’t have enough of these essentials; but also, this increases one’s vulnerability for internet thieves overseeing deceptive businesses. 

Increasingly, victims are buying these products; but they don’t receive them in the mail. In addition, those who do get them learn the items are of low quality and not as advertised. 

Communications

Con artists goes at great length to disguise their motives via text message, phone call, and email. 

As I previously pointed out, sometimes they target specific victims whom have a need for a service or item. 

Through relentless persuasive tactics, they capitalize on existing consumer fears, hatred, sadness, hope, aspirations, and other preferences. 

Recently, such methods were used in impersonating government agencies such as the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to con unsuspecting recipients into opening attachments and downloading malicious software. 

Instead of sharing promised news regarding Covid-19, the real motive is to ultimately steal personal or financial information.

It is easy to see why senior citizens are preferred targets. Genuinely, they are trusting and can easily be tempted to fall for fraudulent activities. The FBI explains this on there website at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/seniors

When this happen, there could be a delay in the reporting of this to local authorities, the Better Business Bureau, and AARP, the leading advocacy group for seniors. Reasons such as shame and embarrassment could disguise instances of deception unless a caretaker or relative happen to stumble upon it.

The Better Business Bureau actually has loads of existing allegations about schemes in your neck of the woods. Find out about the cons in your local area at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

Another reason includes the affected senior opting not to discuss the incident to anyone for fear of losing his or her financial independence as a result of declining cognitive ability. 

Anyone can be a victim to fraud regardless of age. All would have to work long and hard to clear up the mess with financial institutions to prevent future exploitation. 

In this day and age of hideous fraud investment opportunities, counterfeit essentials, and other massive deceptions, we are all in this together to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and to spread cyber security awareness. 

Please sign up for my free monthly cybersecurity awareness newsletter monthly depicting real life scams with puppets and the latest news and events at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe

Also, check out my current educational videos on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ5JPhBrP4OpCKeY4hbm5Dg?view_as=subscriber

By subscribing and sharing, you will be helping me to get the word out about scams.

Thank you my friends!

Until next time, stay safe and stay secure.

Ken Harris

Puppeteer/Writer

An Upcoming Educational Web Series Focusing on Scams

Art by Aaron Harris

Lets face it. An educational lecture on any sensitive topic could still be boring.

The subject of scams is no exception. This is a global problem that will never go away in it's entirely.

As our technology get better, so will the skills of scammers to access our sensitive data for financial gain.

A Creative Passion blended with a Self Call to Action

Recently, I came up with a terrific fun idea with spreading world about cyber security awareness. It's purely educational but includes specks of entertainment.

Puppets.

Yes, I find this endeavor challenging and exciting to pass on what I learn on a continuous basis!

This is the introduction to my Youtube Channel that will eventually be home to many cyber security awareness videos

An Unlikely Pair...

The setting takes place in a fictional radio station. It stars host Cyber Sly, a former scammer, and cohost Alexander Midas, a former business man who's business crumpled after a cyber attacker accessed his customer's banking accounts.

 Cyber Sly is a change man who now wants to make a difference in the world.

Alex Midas is an angry man who resents Cyber Sly and don't think computer criminals can change their behaviors.

Each episode will be 7 to 10 minutes in length with 3 segments on scenarios and tips involving malware, phishing, spoofing, identity theft, social media, targeting, iCloud, and so much more involving the latest news and updates happening in the world.

Having written monthly articles pertaining to cyber security awareness in the Point of View Community Newspaper at http://www.afampov.com, I feel I need to do more to get the word out on how people can stay safe and secure from multitudes of scams (check out page 19!)

While computer criminals congregate on the dark web to share their deceitful tactics and organize plans to trick an unsuspecting victim, I feel we should be joining or creating platforms like this to educate ourselves.

"Cyber Brats" is a show that will be free and available on Youtube in June 2020. In the meantime, I like for you to subscribe to my blog to get the latest news and events regarding cyber security awareness.

This program is geared for adults with an emphasis on sharing insightful tips and suggestions to avoid being a victim to a scam.

I welcome any suggestions to this platform. Please leave any comments or questions below and I willrespond promptly.

Thank you for your time and I hope to be your source for informative news to help keep you safe
from scammers!

Ken Harris
Author/Puppeteer
https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Harris/e/B071ZZK56K/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0