The FBI reports scammers are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal money and personal information, or both in some cases. The general public can protect itself and should do research before clicking on links purporting to provide information on the virus, donating to a charity online or through social media, contributing to a crowdfunding campaign, purchasing products online or giving up your personal information to receive money or other benefits. Schemes include:
·     Fake CDC emails used for phishing
·     Fake government program used for phishing attempts

Michael Wallace, an expert and program director for emergency and security studies in Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement, is a retired Navy intelligence officer and former senior intelligence analyst who worked on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Intelligence Directorate from 2013-2015. Wallace is available to speak on how COVID-19 affects the readiness of the United States military, both at home and abroad.

For interviews, contact pr@tulane.edu or Roger Dunaway at 504-452-2906.