£800,000 lost to coronavirus scams targetting vulnerable and fearful nationally

Fears over coronavirus and vulnerabilities to the virus are being exploited by scams which have netted £800,000 nationally.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified 21 victims of fraud relating to the virus so far, with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils releasing a statement today, urging people to be vigilant.

The sale of fraudulent miraculous health products or protective equipment is one tactic used, with fake charities and phishing emails which lure readers into clicking to download malicious software on to their computer also becoming a problem.

Opportunists are also selling items like hand sanitiser at inflated prices.

Checks on a charity's authenticity should always be made with the Charity Commission before making donations and only trusted sources and retailers should be used to obtain information or products.

The council statement advises that you should not reveal personal or financial information through emails and make sure you have up to date software and apps.

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