Both across UK and US, doctors are seeing a steep rise in the phenomenon called ‘Cyberchondria’ that is eventually creating a business space for hackers. According to a survey conducted UK HSE, in association with a Texas based University, there has been a rise where healthy people believe they are suffering from serious health problems because of severe online research for medical related issues.
In reality, they are not suffering any kind of health concern. But because of the vast amounts of literature available in text, image and video forms, people are self-diagnosing and self-medicating themselves so much that they are not only putting their health to crisis. But also taking on unnecessary financial burdens arising with the treatment costs.
Previously, such instances were just related to weight loss treatments, body correction, and some superficial surgeries. But now, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has surged to an extent where a steep rise is being seen in the Cyberchondria.
Cyber Criminals who are always in search of making easy money are found taking advantage of the situation as they are seen creating phishing pages and false websites where people are made to believe that they are suffering from serious illnesses and are being asked to divert funds for seeking online treatments.
In the past 8-9 months, the law enforcement agencies across the UK, some parts of Europe, and in the metro cities of the United States have received at least 19 complaints regarding falling prey to such incidents. And they predict that numbers might rise in coming weeks or early next year.
Once a person’s mind gets planted with such material, they go into the state of ‘Over-thinking’ and then undergo through various tests, undergo treatments in which most of them are not doctor recommended and eventually lose money to some cyber frauds promising them fake online treatments.
So, we at Cybersecurity Insiders are recommending to stop online searches and better go for a doctor consultation, if, in case, you seem to be seriously ill. And stop sieving Google search engine for common complaints such as muscle pains, inflammations, cough in children, hyperventilation, giddiness bouts, fatigue, cold and body pains.
Mind you, money can be earned anytime. But health cannot be, once deteriorated!
