Preying fraudsters have netted more than £5 million from coronavirus-related scams, shocking new figures reveal.
The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime says it has dealt with more than 2,204 victims.
A huge total of £5,341,592 has been reported lost, according to Action Fraud.
The organisation, which is run by police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said it has also received 11,793 reports of Covid-19-related phishing emails - fraudulent attempts to obtain a person's sensitive information like usernames, passwords and bank card details.
Fraudsters appear to be using many different guises, with scam emails claiming to be from reputable organisations, government departments, councils or private companies a known ploy.
Action Fraud said it had even received 260 reports of coronavirus-related TV Licensing emails.
Emails purporting to be from TV Licensing claimed a recipient's direct debit had failed and they need to pay to avoid prosecution.
Those targeted were told they were eligible for a 'Covid-19 'personalized offer' of six months free.
Action Fraud said: "The messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.
"Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text."
Greater Manchester Police meanwhile warned fraudulent websites selling personal protective equipment (PPE) during lockdown 'continue to be a common lure used by criminals'.
And GMP's economic crime unit said it has assisted one victim in recovering £77,896.
"The victim was contacted by the suspect who purported to be a known contact advising of new bank details," the unit said on Twitter.
"Make sure you always check the bank details you are given before transferring money."
The unit added: "Criminals are sending fake emails designed to look like they're from government departments to trick you into revealing your information.
"Don't automatically click on any links or attachments as they could lead to fake websites."
Action Fraud said it was 'continuing to see' examples of emails and text messages sent by fraudsters claiming to be from the Department of Work and Pensions.
"The DWP will never text or email asking for your personal information or bank details," said the body.
"Do not click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details.
"If you are expecting a call from the DWP on your online benefit application, DWP work coaches will leave you a message in your online journal to let you know."
Action Fraud said criminals would 'exploit every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people of their money, or steal their personal details'.
Advice surrounding the government's test and trace coronavirus programme has also been released.
Action Fraud said: "It is important to remember that NHS Test and Trace will never ask you for any form of payment or any passwords or PINs.
"They will also never ask you to download anything, ask any details about your bank account or send someone to your home.
"Whilst it is possible for criminals to fake official phone numbers, they cannot fake official website addresses.
"We would encourage anyone with concerns about a phone call, text message or email they have received, in relation to test and trace, to check the website address being provided to you carefully.
"If you think you have been sent a scam message, please report it to us."
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