Criminals are taking advantage of the anxiety and desire for information generated by the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as related topics such as distance learning and remote access workplace initiatives, and even the recently-passed economic stimulus package.
Related criminal activities include phishing emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites, as well as websites that download malicious software or trick victims into revealing sensitive information, or into donating to fraudulent charities. IMSS urges you to exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19 or pandemic-related subject line, attachment or link, and be wary of unknown websites that turn up in web searches on these topics, as well as social media pleas for donations, texts or calls related to COVID-19 or the pandemic.
Remain vigilant and take the following precautions:
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or opening unexpected email attachments
- Use trusted sources-such as legitimate, government websites for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19. Pay attention to where a link is taking you
- Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information
- Verify a charity's authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission's page on scams related to COVID-19 for more information
- Continue to visit https://www.caltech.edu/coronavirus for Institute communications related to the virus, as well as our current guidelines, polices and prevention measures
If you believe you have received a phishing email please report it to Information Security or the IMSS Help Desk (help@caltech.edu)