The Hope Police Department and Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Additionally people may come directly to your home or contact you by phone offering various items and services.  Citizens should exercise caution in addressing these matters. Handle email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, with extreme caution and be wary of social media pleas, texts, calls and direct solicitations related to COVID-19.

Here are some best practices:

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.

• Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.

• 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 Charity Scams for more information.

• Review CISA Insights on Risk Management for COVID-19 for more information.

• Deny direct solicitation to your home if you have concerns and dial 911 if you suspect criminal activity.