Scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to target innocent people who are nervous about the future.
Now Police Scotland has issued a guide to help people avoid being swindled during the crisis.
It wrote: "Across the UK we are beginning to see evidence that fraudsters are increasingly targeting the public and organisations with emails, texts, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages offering advice and treatment for the coronavirus.
"They are setting up fake websites selling products and offering ‘cures’ or testing kits. Scammers have also been setting up bogus websites asking for donations for victims or promoting awareness and prevention tips.
"Cold callers have been contacting organisations suggesting they must have specific measures in place by a certain deadline."
There are simple steps you can take to avoid falling victim to scammers.
Firstly, you should be suspicious of people who just turn up at your door unannounced.
Don't trust identity cards, because they can be faked. If you're concerned, phone the company to make sure the visitor is genuine.
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Never allow someone into your home unless you can verify their identity.
Don't keep large amounts of cash in your house, because it can easily be stolen. Thieves are known
If someone on the doorstep or a person on the phone asks for personal information, don't give it to them.
"Never provide any personal data such as your full name, address and date of birth – scammers can use this information to steal your identity," police warned.
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