The terror over Omicron, the fresh Covid-19 variant, which has rapidly spread across the globe, has flashed a novel wave of Gmail phishing threats. On the other hand, the fresh variant endures the blowout in several countries, and on the other, defrauders are using this chance to cash in by initiating phishing attacks via email with their fake Omicron tests.
Individual Protection Solutions (IPS), the UK security firm, cautioned about the novel series of Gmail email phishing attacks. It says these fraudsters offer fake PCR tests for free to UK residents from the National Health Service (NHS) to evade the present government limitations.
The fake Gmail email message references that fresh PCR tests will “recognise the Omicron variant” and will permit people to travel securely and without having any restrictions and self-isolate themselves. The receivers of the email were further advised to click on a link to book their Omicron PCR test deprived of postponement.
Perceptibly, there is no such test for the fresh variant of the coronavirus and the phishing email is just to turn a tense situation into a cash prize for themselves by getting your personal info as well as bank details.
The Gmail email further requests recipients to click on the link to demand the Omicron PCR test. As soon as you click on the link, it will ask you to provide your details such as name, address and bank account number. This trick is defined as ‘Particularly sinister’ due to its nature of using the issued health emergency as a chance to steal your money.
Why is this scam described as ‘sinister’?
Online fraudsters are exploiting the chance of social indecision during the Omicron to quarry on helpless people, who are worried to book a test in urgency for the Covid-19 before the crowd. People who are most susceptible to stress are most probable to be the victim of the new sinister email hoax as they are desperate to check the strain. Now the question is how you can avoid this email phishing attack? Let’s know some of the best possible ways below.
How to avoid the Gmail email phishing attack:
- First of all, the NHS will never ever interact with anyone out of the blue.
- Still, if you get such emails, do check the send of the email address. The real NHS email address ends with nhs.uk.
- Do not click on any in-email links
- Never share your personal or financial info.
- Yet, authoritatively there is no such test for the novel variant detection test, so do not look over for such info.
- Delete email, if you get it.
So, beware of such emails from fraudsters and avoid such emails where you have to provide your personal info. For further updates keep visiting our website thanks.
Also Read: WhatsApp now allows for disappearing messages!
