iscover
Share this article on:
Powered by
MOMENTUM
MEDIA
Opportunistic scammers are already taking advantage of human suffering during the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip.
On 7 October, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli soil, killing hundreds of civilians in a series of unprecedented raids. Since then, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliation has killed nearly 3,000 Palestinians. The region is under siege and running out of water and medical supplies.
So, of course, it is a perfect time for scammers to take advantage of the charity and goodwill of those seeking to offer aid to those who most need it.
According to research by Bitdefender, the first scams started appearing less than a week later, around 13 October.
The scams are largely similar to ones that have been circulating since Russia invaded Ukraine and call for donations of cryptocurrency, as well as taking advantage of advance-fee scams, which require victims to pay a small transaction fee for the dubious honour of falling victim to the predators.
Russia is the country most targeted by this recent round of scams, with 27 per cent of all scams. Sweden is next, with 15 per cent of total scams aimed at its citizens, with Romania rounding out the top three, with 10 per cent. Other countries prominently targeted include Iran, India, and the US.
Some of the scams claim to be from people in Israel seeking to move funds belonging to supposedly killed parents, while another claims to be from a teacher in Gaza looking to help support her students.
“We can only receive help through bitcoin wallet,” one scam read, “then exchange it to money and buy food for children that are here with me”.
The scammers are expected to keep at it, changing the narrative of their messages as the war progresses. Bitdefender is warning individuals to be aware of what’s in circulation and to check any calls for cash or crypto closely.
“The best way to remain safe and guard your finances is to closely inspect all war-related communications, whether via email, phone, text or social media,” Bitdefender said in a blog post.
“Always research the organisation before making any payment – donation requests in crypto, wire transfers, and gift cards are a big red flag to be avoided at all costs.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
Be the first to hear the latest developments in the cyber industry.
