Cyber criminals are currently taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by sending emails, texts and social media messages that contain phishing links or malicious attachments.

Cyber criminals are impersonating governments, health authorities and other organizations to provide false information, steal information, sell fake medical products or tests and redirect to fake charity donations.

What to look for:

• Be careful about clicking links or attachments in suspicious emails, texts or social media messages.

• Attackers can falsify the sender information in messages. Make sure the sender’s email address has a valid username and domain name.

• Be careful before revealing any personal or financial information through email, a website, text message, social media, or by phone.

• Learn how to protect yourself online

What you should do if you receive a suspicious message:

• If you receive a suspicious email appearing to come from RBC, please forward it to phishing@rbc.com.

• Delete suspicious messages immediately after reporting them.

• Consider contacting the person or organization that sent the message using a phone number you’ve used before or one listed on their website.

Where can I get trusted and safe information about the pandemic?

Visit known and reputable websites, like the official World Health Organization’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic page, or local health authorities like the Public Health Agency of Canada website for correct up-to-date information on COVID-19.

For updated information on COVID-19 from RBC, please visit https://www.rbc.com/covid-19/index.html

Make sure you know how to protect your business.