Kingston Police warn of scams related to the Turkey and Syria earthquakes

After multiple earthquakes shook both Turkey and Syria, Kingston Police are warning the public that cybercriminals are using these tragic events to scam individuals and steal sensitive information.

“Unfortunately, cybercriminals often use crises to get your attention and manipulate your emotions,” Kingston Police said in a media release dated Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. “In the coming weeks, we expect to see an influx of phishing attacks referencing these recent events. Cybercriminals may send phishing emails with links asking you to donate money or view ‘exclusive’ videos relating to this news. Clicking these links could allow cybercriminals to steal your sensitive information or install malware on your device.”

To help keep everyone safe from these types of scams, police provided the following tips:

• Avoid making donations to unknown users. If you would like to donate to support a cause, donate directly through a trusted organization’s website.
• Think before you click. Cyberattacks are designed to catch you off guard and trigger you to click impulsively.
• Stay informed by following trusted news sources. If you see a sensational headline, research the news story to verify that it’s legitimate.