Hackers and cyber scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic by sending fraudulent email and WhatsApp messages that attempt to trick you into clicking on malicious links or opening attachments.

These actions can reveal your user name and password, which can be used to steal money or sensitive information.

If you are contacted by a person or organization that appears to be WHO, verify their authenticity before responding.

The World Health Organization will:

never ask for your username or password to access safety information

ask for your username or password to access safety information never email attachments you didn’t ask for

email attachments you didn’t ask for never charge money to apply for a job, register for a conference, or reserve a hotel

charge money to apply for a job, register for a conference, or reserve a hotel never conduct lotteries or offer prizes, grants, certificates or funding through email.

Be on alert when you receive an email with any link or attachments containing any reference to WHO. It might be a cyberattack.

The only call for donations WHO has issued is the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, which is linked to below. Any other appeal for funding or donations that appears to be from WHO is a scam.