'Deplorable' scammers are exploiting fears about the new Omicron covid variant to target people in Dundee.
The fraudsters are offering free PCR tests that claim to detect the new coronavirus mutation.
However the email is a front to gain people’s trust and trick them into handing over personal details.
The link takes victims to a separate website - that looks identical to the NHS online portal - where they are asked for banking details and other private data.
Tayside Police confirmed today that locals have already been caught out by the con-artists in the region.
One local victim was a 76-year-old woman who was targeted on 30 November.
She replied to the email, but thankfully didn't lose any money because she realised her error and the transaction was stopped quickly.
Officers warned all locals to keep an eye out for the fishing emails and report them immediately to officers or the local Trading Standards office.
Tayside Police warned of the scam on their Twitter page.
It said: “We've already received a report of someone falling victim to this deplorable scam here in Tayside. Get genuine info on testing, vaccinations etc from http://nhsinform.scot ”
Trading Standards also tweeted the same link saying: “A new scam email offering 'Omicron PCR tests' has been reported - it includes a link to request a 'free' test, which leads to a scam NHS website designed to collect your details.
“Get genuine information about COVID testing and vaccinations at NHSinform.”
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