E-mails offering treatment for Coronavirus is scam: Cops

Hyderabad: Telangana police have launched a massive campaign to alert people about the cyber fraudsters offering treatment for the deadly novel Coronavirus.

Police sources said fraudsters may take advantage of the panic and lure citizens into their trap.

A senior police official said so far no cases have been reported, but as a precautionary measure they are alerting people.

Police have started circulating messages on social media, alerting people about how cyber fraudsters can trap them.

Police have asked people to be alert and not respond to any messages or emails or other types of communication with offers for Coronavirus medication.

In the communication released in Telugu, police have informed that people may receive messages or emails offering free medication or with minimum cost for Coronavirus.

"These communications from unknown and unidentified sources may have some web links and the receiver may be asked to furnish the personal information. Once you click on the web link or open such suspicious messages, they may affect your bank accounts and your money could be siphoned off immediately. Please be watchful and do not respond to any such suspicious messages or emails,” the communication said.

Further police advised us to visit www.cybercrime.gov.in to report any such suspicious activity or call on the toll free helpline 155260. Police officials said that people can also approach the nearest police station or the Cybercrime police stations in the area or even report through social media platforms.

It may be mentioned that so far the exact cause or treatment for the Coronavirus has not been found.