• by Ray Schultz , June 22, 2020

The U.S. is facing a second wave of scams linked to the predicted second wave of COVID-19. And consumers should beware of clicking links in emails, according to IDStrong, a credit and identity theft monitoring company.

Two forces will “collide to create a concurrent second wave of cyber attacks," states Levon Gasparian, CEO of IDStrong. 

Gasparian says the first element is that "renewed shelter in place orders – and their consequential impacts on lifestyle and the economy – will create new opportunities for scammers.”

The second is that “Americans' general fatigue with restrictions and precautions has allowed us to let our collective guard down,” Gasparian adds. 

IDStrong advises consumers to avoid clicking any links in emails. Instead, they should visit websites directly and take the time to type out a URL, it says. 

Case in point: Shoppers should avoid clicking a link for more information if they get a purported email from Amazon saying their order is delayed.

The company adds that consumers need to outsource password security and avoid posting in real-time if they are leaving the house for an extended getaway. 

Gasparian concludes that  cybercriminals “take advantage of fear, confusion and fatigue to lure victims. Right now, we're in a little bit of a lull on those emotions. But when wave two of infections hits, we will be right back in the epicenter.”