In the wake of COVID-19, some phishing scams have been circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms targeted at stealing personal information.The Bhutan Computer Incident Response Team recommends individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The recent post circulating on WhatsApp regarding "Free Internet Recharge from World Health Organization " is FAKE and is a phishing scam targeted at stealing personal information.
Phishing attacks featuring official look-alike logos & disclaimers typically include a ‘call to action’ to trick us into giving out our most sensitive personal information - passwords,bank details,etc. In the wake of Corona virus pandemic,scammers have taken advantage of the situation,sharing phishing links using WHO logos.
BtCIRT encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions:
● Avoid clicking on links shared through unsolicited emails and messages on social networking sites and instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp,WeChat,Facebook asking for personal information.
● Avoid sharing such links unless it is verified information.
● Use only trusted sources such as MoH website, PM Office, legitimate news channels (BBS,Kuensel,The Bhutanese,Bhutan Times etc.) and their social media handles for up-to-date, fact-based information on COVID-19.
Refer BtCIRT article https://www.btcirt.bt/common-phishing-attacks-in-bhutan-and-how-to-protect-yourself/ for further information on how to detect and protect yourself from phishing attacks.
Refer to video on how to detect Fake News issued by the Department of Information and Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12_y2BhKbEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UutQ fy_nDnM Therefore, request the general public to refrain from spreading any kind of fake news.
