Britons are thought to have lost more than £2million to scammers who are preying on coronavirus fears during the pandemic.
While thousands of people are dying in the UK, fraudsters have seized on the crisis as an opportunity to target the elderly, vulnerable and others who are isolated.
Many social media users have been sounding the alarm over one of the latest scams, in which potential victims receive a cold call from someone offering instructions during the lockdown.
The caller then offers to send masks, gloves and hand sanitiser, asks for the person's address, and says it will cost £29 before telling them to hand over their bank or card details to take payment.
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The calls received this month have prompted a warning from police, who are reminding Britons not to divulge their bank or card details over the phone.
In a post shared more than 30,000 times, one Facebook user told how her parents had been targeted.
She wrote: "Mum and dad just had a phone call about what they should do during the virus.
"They where told you must stay in and we are going to send you 2 masks 2 hand gels and gloves.
"Can you give us your address which she did then he said thats £29 can i have your bank details at this point she put the phone down.
"Please keep telling the elderly about these scammers."
Several people wrote in the comments saying they had received a similar call.
One wrote: "I received a call a few days ago and they are very convincing, especially as there are calls from council, social services and such coming in for vulnerable people."
Another wrote: "I received the same phone call today. I told them it was a scam and they put the phone down!!"
And a third added: "Me and my wife both had the same phone call . Caller seemed very informative and official."
Police forces have warned Britons about coronavirus scams, including this one.
In Wales, Ystradgynlais Police tweeted: "We have received reports of persons having been contacted by phone and offered masks for the sum of £29, they then ask for your card details in order to take payment - THIS IS A SCAM.
"Please do not give out any details over the phone."
In recent weeks, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has warned of a number of scams being carried out online, over the phone or on doorsteps.
Con artists have targeted NHS staff with phishing emails, posed as charity or healthcare workers, tried to sell bogus home test kits, sent fake payment update texts and set up fake apps to try to steal bank card details.
Katherine Hart, the CTSI's lead officer for doorstep crime, said recently: "The depths that scammers are sinking to know no bounds.
"We must all practice additional caution and suspicion at this unprecedented time."
Jody Kerman, head of trading standards at Oxfordshire County Council, added: "The vast majority of people and organisations have the very best of intentions, to support people at this difficult time.
"However, a small number are looking to take advantage of our good nature and charitableness.
"Remember, it's ok to 'take five', give yourself time to think about it and to decide not to give on the spot. Have the confidence to put the phone down, delete the text or email, or shut the door."
