Police warn the public in regards to potential scams related to the Israel-Hamas War

Release Date: October 18, 2023

The recent Israel-Hamas war has made headlines worldwide. As usual, cybercriminals have been quick to take advantage of the dreadful news. Cybercriminals often use high-profile news events for disinformation campaigns, which include false information designed to intentionally mislead you.

Stay alert in the coming weeks, as cybercriminals are already referencing the war in social media disinformation campaigns. Last week, videos were posted on X, formally known as Twitter, that claimed to be footage of the Israel-Hamas war. These videos were actually from video games and fireworks celebrations, but they still went viral. Cybercriminals and scammers can use disinformation like this to try to catch your attention and manipulate your emotions. Disinformation can be used as a phishing tactic to try to get you to click on suspicious links or open malicious attachments.  

Follow the tips below to stay safe from these types of scams:

• Be suspicious of emails, texts, and social media posts that contain shocking information about this event.
• Think before you click. Cyberattacks are designed to catch you off guard and trigger you to click impulsively.
• Stay informed by following trusted news sources. If you see a sensational headline, research the news story to verify that it’s legitimate.

Stop, look, and think. Don’t be fooled by the scammers.