Hackers are just waiting to use stressful situations and fear to con people into giving personal information. Nothing like the holidays and a global pandemic to bring about stress and fear in the usually calmest of people.
Be cautious of emails that may look like a known retail business. Don't click the links. If it looks like it came from ZYX, just type in ZYX's web address and you can find the deals on their legitimate site.
Continue to be cautious of emails and links giving you information about COVID-19. Many links and sites are actually scams utilized to scare users into giving information. Particularly avoid emails that seemingly come from the World Health Organization (WHO) and any link to maps showing COVID-19 cases. When in doubt, even the least bit of doubt, please delete the email.
Also, beware of emails and calls from someone claiming to be a vendor. These kinds of emails and calls have been seemingly coming out of the woodworks the past few months. If you haven't contacted a vendor or asked for the information online, please delete the email. If you have never heard of the vendor or, heaven forbid, the vendor misspells the very issue they are begging to contact you about, please delete the email. And please do not accept gifts from vendors because of policy and because you just don't know what you are getting. Even if you need a new USB thumb drive, do not accept one from a vendor, valid or not.
Please refer to these documents as we remain secure while facing some pretty hectic events:
Don't hesitate to contact me at sandy@tennessee.edu if you have concerns or questions!