South Hams District Council has sent the following alert-

Fraudsters are preying on your fear and sending all sorts of scams related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Every hour we’re being notified of a new scam or ransomware attack using the Coronavirus situation.

Below are some examples of the types of scams you should be on the lookout for:

Emails that appear to be from organisations such as the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), or the World Health Organisation (WHO). The scammers have crafted emails that appear to come from these sources, but they actually contain malicious phishing links or dangerous attachments. Phishing is the term used for dishonest people pretending to be a reputable company so they can gain your personal information.
Emails that ask for charity donations for studies, doctors, or victims that have been affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Scammers often create fake charity emails after global phenomenons occur, like natural disasters, or health scares like the COVID-19.
Emails that claim to have a ‘new’ or ‘updated’ list of cases of Coronavirus in your area. These emails could contain dangerous links and information designed to scare you into clicking on the link.
Remain cautious! Always remember the following to protect yourself from scams like this:

Never click on links or download attachments from an email that you weren’t expecting.
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to come from an official organisation such as the WHO or CDC, go to their website directly online and follow links from there.
If you want to make a charity donation, go to the charity website of your choice to enter your payment. Type the charity’s web address in your browser instead of clicking on any links in emails, or other messages.

Stop, Look, and Think. Don’t be fooled.