Brooklyn Center Police warns public about COVID-19 phishing scam on Facebook and WhatsApp

The Brooklyn Center Police Department is warning the public of COVID-19 phishing scams popping up on WhatsApp or Facebook.

According to the police department, these messages on WhatsApp and Facebook are offering people free help with money during the pandemic, but it is actually a phishing scam.

Upon clicking the link in the message, the scam attempts to collect the individual’s information and possibly their friend’s information. The scam can also cause malware to the phone, tablet or computer if clicking on the link, police said.

The scam would offer people money who need it through grants, coupons for food support, or other giveaways but these offers are all fake and a ploy to receive information.

The department listed out these steps if anyone gets suspected scam messages:

• Do not click on any links.
• Delete the message.
• If you already clicked or shared, run a security scan on your device to look for malware and then forward the steps to friends and family who got the message.
• Notify the Federal Trade Commission.