Moray Council’s trading standards team is warning computer users across the region to be careful where they click.
Residents have been asked to be wary of fraudulent emails offering life-changing deals, and to stop and think before opening any suspect attachments or links.
A trading standards spokesman said: “An email which begins, ‘You have had an unexpected windfall – see attachment for details,’ has been landing in inboxes across Moray,” he said.
“The snag is the attachment contains a virus that can steal passwords or install ‘ransomware’ or other malware on your computer.
“While most people are careful to avoid problems, it only takes a moment’s carelessness or curiosity to be caught off guard and click on links and attachments. It is worth remembering that similar risks apply to smartphones and tablets.”
ActionFraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime, offers the following advice:
o Never click or tap on links or attachments in unsolicited emails.
o Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
o Never give personal information unless you are sure you know who you are dealing with.
o Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed.
Further information is available from www.getsafeonlne.org.uk, which has been set up by the government and leading organisations in banking, retail and internet security.