The number of phishing scams and other fraudulent offers claiming to be part of the COVID-19 public health emergency response appear to be escalating and authorities want help cracking down on it.
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General recently launched an awareness campaign regarding COVID-19 scams and price gouging, See It, Snap It, Send It. Anyone who sees price gouging or other suspicious offers is encouraged to take a photo or screenshot and attach it to a complaint filed through the Attorney General’s website.
More information on the complaint process can be found online.
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is also warning residents to be guarded against scams related to stimulus payments. Those who believe they’ve been the victim of a scam are asked to contact local law enforcement. Scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
WSU is experiencing increased risk of information security threats due to malicious actors taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation. Any instances of suspicious emails related to COVID-19 should be forwarded to abuse@wsu.edu. Standard security practices should continue to be followed, including never clicking on links within emails from unknown sources.
