COMMUNITY groups in Dorset are reporting an increase in online scams relating to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Several say their members have received emails asking for bank details relating to home schooling, asking for payment to protect computers and an email allegedly from TV licensing threatening cut off TV reception unless payment is received. All are scams and should be ignored.
Police have also warned people to be aware of a TV Licensing scam.
An email advises the recipient that they need to renew their licence, which can be done quickly online by clicking a link in the message.
If you receive an email purporting to be from TV Licensing or any other unsolicited email that you suspect to be a scam, please follow the Action Fraud advice as follows:
* Do not click on any links in the scam email
* Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way
* If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open
* Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email
* Visit the Action Fraud website where there is information on how to forward on your scam mail
* If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank
Visit the TV Licensing website for further information and email security advice.
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