Information Security

Fake Coronavirus Communications

[April 7, 2021] The Coronavirus pandemic has caused a massive shift in the number of employees who are working remotely. Consequently, this presents the perfect opportunity for scammers to take advantage of people’s fears around the disease by sending fraudulent emails and making phone calls that attempt to trick you into revealing your personal information or clicking on malicious links or attachments.

There are a variety of reported scams that you should be vigilant of, including:

• Coronavirus-themed emails or text messages and COVID-19 vaccination themed emails
• Private companies selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
• Unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims, products or research
• CERB and CESB repayment scams

Protecting Yourself

• Be skeptical. Fraudulent emails can look like they come from a real organization.
• Remember whenever you need to log in to an account or online service, always navigate to the login page using your browser, rather than clicking on links in an email.
• Never click on a link or an attachment that you weren’t expecting. Even if it appears to be from someone in your own organization, the sender’s email address could be spoofed. 

COVID-19 Frauds and Scams

Details regarding a number of current scams along with resources on combating disinformation can be found on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19: Frauds and scams page.

Reporting Suspicious Messages

The Phish Alert plug-in for Outlook* makes reporting phishing emails to IT easy. Once installed, restart your Outlook client and you’re ready to report any ‘phishy’ emails at the click of a button. Phish Alert can be downloaded from Sheridan’s AppsAnywhere portal.

* available to Sheridan employees only

Not sure about a communication? Reach out to the Service Desk

When in doubt, reach out to the service desk for a second opinion. The IT Service Desk can be contacted at 905-845-9430 ext. 2150 via email at servicedesk@sheridancollege.ca.