Beware of Virus-Related Internet Scams

Beware of Virus-Related Internet Scams
Shared by the Diocese of Charlotte:

Criminals are using public concern over the COVID-19 virus as a weapon to entice you into clicking on a link or going to a website so they can wreak havoc, steal information, plant malware, etc. Be on the lookout for emails, text messages, phone calls, etc. regarding the Corona virus outbreak.

Suspicious communications might contain information regarding a vaccine, a cure, a chance to invest in a cure or vaccine, expert advice for protection or prevention, interesting facts or videos about the disease, links to products like hand sanitizers, soaps, masks, gloves, etc. Do not be fooled.

A good practice is to view all forms of communication from people you do not know with caution. This includes websites, web links in emails, email attachments, text messages with links, phone calls, etc. Another good practice is to avoid clicking links to information, videos, etc. presented to you on social media sites.

If you feel a need to find information about the COVID-19 outbreak, go directly to the source. Only use official websites from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html, your local County Public Health Departments, NC Division of Health & Human Services, etc. Be careful that you do not click on ads when searching for websites.