Warning for COVID scientists: An impostor is asking scientists for an interview using the email [email protected] (not mine) and signature “Atul Gawande, Staff Writer, The New Yorker.”

These are fake. Do not respond. I use a http://bwh.harvard.edu  address for work. 1/4

One scientist did respond. It led to back-and-forth emails and a brief phone call to settle on an interview time. The impersonator sent a Microsoft Teams-like link. The result was a hack that accessed the victim’s computer, phone, apple ID, business and home gmail accounts. 2/4

They also accessed Twitter and other social media accounts.

They have possession of the scientist's financial account details.

And most disturbing, they tried to get into the person’s home security alarm system. 3/4

These actors seem to be “China virus lab theory” conspiracists targeting scientists who’ve done work w Chinese labs.

Pass this thread to your relevant colleagues.

I’m terribly sorry that anyone would use my identity to go after you.

The authorities are investigating. 4/4