Dorset – Nationwide Hoax Email Warning – NICE

03 April 2014

NATIONWIDE EMAIL HOAX – POLICE WARNING

Officers are advising the public to be wary of emails purporting to be from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Thousands of people nationwide have been targeted by hoax emails, claiming to be from NICE.

The email informs them that as a result of a recent blood test, cancer was suspected and they should contact their GP. The recipients are advised to download their results from an attached link, which may contain malware that displays a false security warning to entice the victim to buy rogue anti-spyware products.

Inspector Pete Little, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This type of hoax email can be very distressing for the victim.

“Currently, there haven’t been any reports of this hoax to Dorset Police but I would still urge people to be wary of emails of this nature.

“If you receive one, delete it and don’t download the attachment as it is likely to contain malware.

“In any case, email attachments should always be checked carefully.
“Anti-Virus products can help to keep your computer safe and should be used to check your security regularly.
“If you have further concerns, you could always take your computer to a local security specialist.
“We urge people to delete any emails they receive like this and report them to police by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”

Further advice on protecting your computer can be found at http://www.getsafeonline.org

If you have any information regarding the contents of this message, please call either Dorset Police on 101,  Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or you may prefer to contact your local SNT.