Online fraudsters cashing-in on the coronavirus crisis
Unfortunately, even a global pandemic doesn’t deter internet scammers. The global increase in the use of emails, video conferencing and other digital communication has led to an ‘easy’ target for online fraudsters.
Last month alone, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) took down more than 2,000 online coronavirus scams, nearly a quarter of which were fake online shops that were selling fraudulent, virus-related items.
Google has reported that, during the crisis, they’ve been forced to block 18 million coronavirus-themed scam messages per day, most of which have used "fear and financial incentives" in an attempt to get a response.
Even Zoom, our new go-to for keeping in-touch with everyone, has been hit. It’s been discovered that more than 500,000 stolen passwords and account details for the video conferencing app are up for sale on the ‘dark web.’
The Federal Trade Commission in the US has compiled some advice on avoiding these scams:
- Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time
- Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the government or WHO. Look to government-official websites for information
- Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money.
Are we ready for the robo-workforce?
Robotic replacement for humans is a concept that’s been floating around for many years, and not just in the movies. Although there has been a rise in these kind of technologies recently, with the likes of AI and VR, the coronavirus crisis and consequent social distancing measurers has forced companies to look at where and how technology can replace human presence.
Examples of where robotic-adaptation has already taken place can be seen in Walmart, America's biggest retailer, where robots are used to scrub the floors, and in South Korea where robots are used to measure temperatures and distribute hand sanitiser.
But will changes in consumer attitudes following the crisis lead to new opportunities for automation, given everyone’s adaption to virtual communications? With high-security companies such as HSBC already using AI technology for their chatbot, is there really any limit to the extent to which a ‘human element’ can be removed from communications? Only time will tell.
Brands ‘play around’ with their media outlets for advertising
With many of us looking to find some kind of escape from our houses during the lockdown, the release of Animal Crossing’s ‘New Horizons’ has brought sweet-relief for many. The game is essentially a life simulation in a fictional, animal-run world that requires the user to perform basic – almost chore-like – tasks to build a new island. Although it may sound pretty idle, the game allows users to escape reality for a time, and ‘visit’ their friends’ islands, which is probably as close to visiting a friends’ house as we’re going to get for the time being.
Now, brands are taking advantage of the rise in people’s need to escape their reality. The ability for these gamers to personalise their avatars with differing skin tones, hairstyles and clothing has been a feature of the game throughout the series, but fashion brands are now looking to take advantage of this, by allowing users to dress their avatars up in their branded apparel.
An example being Highsnobiety, who’ve recreated three of their collections in Nintendo form to exploit the opportunity and “bridge gaming, fashion and lifestyle”.
Animal Crossing overtook titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Fifa 20 just three days after its release to claim the No.1 spot on the official UK games chart, providing a very high audience to market to.
Dating apps look to ensure love isn’t lost during lockdown
Okay, so we’ve talked about ways of making working from home that little bit easier, but what about the even more important stuff, like ‘finding love’... For any eligible bachelors out there, the likelihood of going on dates any time soon is pretty slim. Luckily, dating apps are doing their best to ensure cupid can continue his work, even through isolation.
Most people are aware of the swipe-fuelled dating app Tinder. Some people have been a little over zealous and already gone through all the prospective matches in their area. As a result, this month Tinder kindly offered their paid-for "passport" feature, which allows users to match with people around the world, to users for free.
Bumble, another popular dating app that allows users to swipe through their potential matches, have also encouraged the use of its more personable features to assist in virtual dating. Their built-in video calling and voice calling feature saw a 21% increase in use in just one week!
And for those who are completely new to the online dating scene, Match have introduced a free hotline within the app for anyone struggling to navigate online dating under self-isolation. So really, there’s no reason for love to be lost during lockdown.
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