COVID-19 has resulted in an unpreceded shift of communities, business and economies online. Many businesses have realised they can operate online without a ‘physical’ presence, while their employees work from home. But what are the risks associated with moving most of a business's operations online?

The most common complaints recently include imposter scams, debt collection and identity theft. With a huge increase in the numbers choosing to work from home, the number of potential victims for online fraudsters and cybercriminals has increased significantly.

In addition to this, the threat of COVID-19 has allowed many online criminals to exploit coronavirus fears in order to steal personal information. Common COVID-19 scams include fraudulent vendors making masks, sanitizers and test kits; spoofed government and health organisation communications; fake vaccines; scam employment posts; and phishing through update emails, texts and voicemails.

To reduce your risk of online fraud, consider:

1. Securing your home network with strong passwords that are updated regularly. 
2. Limiting access to your work device, and shutting it down when you’re not using it.
3. Being careful what emails you open and attachments you click on. 
4. Not posting sensitive information or personal details on social media sites. 
5. Protecting your devices – making sure that your anti-virus and anti-malware software is up to date.

As a result of the lockdown restrictions, electronically signing and witnessing documents has become common practice and previously strict identification requirements have been eased. For example, some financial lenders now only require a New Zealand driver’s licence to verify a credit card application. 

To avoid your identity being stolen, don’t include your home address on your driver’s licence when applying for or renewing your licence. If your licence is lost or stolen, call NZTA on 0800 822 422 to cancel it.

If you’re concerned that you’ve been scammed online, click here to contact us at Aspiring Law. We’re here to help.