News / Cancer email scam
A HEARTLESS email scam telling people they may have cancer is causing upset in Shetland.
Local trading standards officers have been alerted by several people of the fake email that claims to be from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
They warn that clicking on the link in the email automatically downloads malicious software, or malware, onto the recipients’ computer.
The email states: “We have been sent a sample of your blood analysis for further research.
“During the complete blood count (CBC) we have revealed that white blood cells is very low, and unfortunately we have a suspicion of a cancer.”
Trading standards manager David Marsh said: “Receiving such an email could be very worrying in itself, but the real problem would come if you were to open the attachment to print your results.
“We don’t yet know what damage this particular malware may do to your computer, but at the very least it is likely to disrupt the operation of your computer and may be designed to steal login details and passwords.”
NICE is aware of the email and has apologised for any distress it may be causing.
“We advise deleting the email without opening the attachment,” they said.
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