Govt Advisory: Phishing Emails Are Circulating

The Bermuda Government is advising the public that “phishing emails are circulating, purporting to be from various Government Departments.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Government advises that phishing emails are circulating, purporting to be from various Government Departments.

“These emails are false phishing emails and should not be opened under any circumstances. If individuals are concerned about whether an email may be fraudulent, they should contact the Bermuda Police Service.

“Phishing is an online scam where attackers try to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Here are some tips on how to avoid falling victim to phishing.

• “Be cautious of unexpected emails, especially those that ask for personal information or contain urgent requests. Verify the legitimacy of the sender by checking the email address carefully. Hover over links in emails to see the actual URL before clicking. Ensure that it matches the expected website address. Be wary of shortened URLs, as they may lead to malicious sites.

• “Enable MFA whenever possible, as it adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password for access. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar when entering sensitive information. These indicate a secure connection.

• “Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, and web browsers to patch vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

• “Stay informed about common phishing techniques and tactics. Awareness is a key defense against falling for scams.

• “Enable and regularly update spam filters on your email account to help identify and filter out phishing attempts.

• “Avoid clicking on pop-ups, especially those that ask for personal information. Legitimate organizations typically do not request sensitive data through pop-ups.

• “Before providing any personal or financial information, verify the request through a trusted and official communication channel.

• “Use reputable security software on your computer and mobile devices to protect against malware and other threats.

“By being vigilant and following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attempts and better protect your personal and sensitive information online.

“The public is reminded to please only rely on official Government information and advisories from the Government of Bermuda’s official communication section, the Department of Communications. For more information on phishing emails and scams, visit https://www.gov.bm/how-avoid-and-report-scams.”

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