RESIDENTS are being warned about scam e-mails being sent out, claiming to be from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The advice comes from the police’s Action Fraud department which is aimed at combating cyber fraud.
The e-mail tells the recipient they have been ‘summoned to court’ and it is thought that by clicking on the link to find out more will lead people to having their computer infected with malware.
The organisation confirmed fraudsters have been sending out a wave of scam emails purporting to be from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), claiming people have to appear in court. The messages even include a genuine looking logo and contact details.
A spokesperson said: “This email has no connection to the CPS and anyone receiving the email should not download any attachments or click any links and report it to us.
“The CPS is aware and has said that they ‘never email witnesses in order to summons them to court’.”
In August 2016, there were a total of 14,883 phishing reports submitted to Action Fraud – an increase of nearly 135 per cent compared to August 2015.
Anyone wanting to report a fraud and cyber crime and receive a police crime reference number should call 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool at www.actionfraud.police.uk
