Scotland Yard has warned the British public to be vigilant against a number of scams being perpetrated by criminals looking to cash in on the people's fears regarding coronavirus.
The Metropolitan Police said the majority of the incidents reported related to online shopping scams, where members of the public ordered and paid for personal protective equipment which never arrived.
"We are seeing communities across London rallying together to help each other through this unprecedented public health crisis, and what is a difficult time for many. However, there are a small number of unscrupulous people out there who see it as an opportunity to con others for personal gain," said Superintendent Lis Chapple, the Met Police's lead for Crime Prevention, Inclusion and Engagement.
"The most vulnerable in society are often targeted which makes the offending all the more despicable, and the Met is committed to identifying these people and ensuring they are held to account for their actions. Please take a moment to think about who you are speaking to, what you are agreeing to and what you may be clicking on online. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is," Chapple said.
Since the UK government advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay at home where possible, the force said it has received a "small number" of reports where people are using coronavirus as a guise to gain entry to homes and steal.
It called on the people to ensure they check the identity and credentials of anyone who makes an unsolicited home visit, offering a service and asking for payment.
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"If you are contacted by someone you don't know, online or in person, and are being pressured to buy something you feel unsure about, take a moment to assess the situation and talk to someone you trust before committing," the Met Police said.
It warns that people and businesses are also more vulnerable to being a victim of cyber fraud as they use the internet more to shop and communicate with friends and family.
It notes: "There have also been reports of coronavirus-themed phishing emails being sent. These attempts to trick members of the public into opening attachments which could enable fraudsters to steal personal information, passwords and banking details.
"Emails sent by fraudsters are often sophisticated and look like genuine emails from banks and other websites you might use regularly, so please be alert to this. If you receive a suspicious email, don't click on the links or attachments, and never respond to unsolicited messages or calls with personal or financial details."
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