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EU Commission Warns of Increased Cybercrime During Coronavirus Crisis

VOA News

   The president of the European Commission is warning EU citizens to
   beware of on-line scams, particularly for counterfeit medical products
   and medicinesduring the coronavirus crisis.

   In a video messagereleasedTuesday,European Commission President Ursula
   von derLeyensaidwith more people working from home and spending time
   online, they have become more susceptible to cyber
   criminals,particularlythoseexploiting fearsabout the virus.

   ShesaysEuropean law-enforcement agencies have seized4.4 million units
   of illicit pharmaceuticals in recent weeks, seven organized crime
   groups weredismantled,and 121 arrests were made.

   Von derLeyensaid that2,500 fake links, websites and social media
   profiles havealsobeen taken down.Sheurgedcitizensto double check all
   websites they visit are maintained by a trusted entity.

   Von derLeyensaidthatifand whenactual vaccines or other medicines are
   proven effective in treating the coronavirus, official government and
   public institutions will announceit.

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