UK fraudulent websites
Since the start of Coronavirus outbreak nearly 200 fraudulent websites were taken down in the UK. The websites were targeting vulnerable and elderly people.
Nominet, the national domain name registry noticed a huge increase in the number of fraudulent websites which are spoofing government websites, trying to possess banking details and personal data of Britons.
Criminals are often “hyphenate a legitimate website” or use “hard to notice misspellings” to trick people and make them think they’re using authentic site according to Eleanor Bradley, head of registry domains.
“We have suspended over 180 domains already related to coronavirus and Covid-19 where we can’t be satisfied that there was a legitimate use,” Ms Bradley said.
“People should be absolutely vigilant at the moment because sadly people will try to profit from the current situation.”
Sadly the prediction are that frauders will try even harder to exploit internet users while the Corona virus is spreading.
“It is abhorrent that unscrupulous individuals are using this difficult time as an opportunity to immiserate others further,” said Leon Livermore, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
It is important for us to stay extra vigilant and aware of their cheating methods.