Institutions such as Interpol and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have warned individuals to be vigilant at this time, as increases in financial fraud and exploitation scams have been identified.
In particular FATF have advised that “criminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to carry out financial fraud and exploitation scams, including advertising and trafficking in counterfeit medicines, offering fraudulent investment opportunities, and engaging in phishing schemes that prey on virus-related fears. Malicious or fraudulent cybercrimes, fundraising for fake charities, and various medical scams targeting innocent victims are likely to increase, with criminals attempting to profit from the pandemic by exploiting people in urgent need of care and the goodwill of the general public and spreading misinformation about COVID-19. National authorities and international bodies are alerting citizens and businesses of these scams, which include impostor, investment and product scams, as well as insider trading in relation to COVID-19. Like criminals, terrorists may also exploit these opportunities to raise funds.”
Interpol have listed the following evolving threats outlined in the report:
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Marked increase of cyber threats including malicious domains, malware and ransomware
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Health service providers and essential products outlets increasingly targeted as critical infrastructure
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Fraudulent and counterfeit trade in personal protective equipment (PPE) and anti-viral pharmaceuticals
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Increased drug commerce via social media, encrypted apps and the Darknet
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Individuals and businesses on reduced incomes potential targets of loan sharks
The report also includes exclusive insights by police chiefs from around the world, ensuring information is shared directly by those currently shaping and implementing national law enforcement responses.