Customers of British Gas have been receiving fake emails from fraudsters which are containing links to computer viruses.
Action Fraud and Notts Police have said there have been hundreds of reports nationwide of fake emails that have been designed to look like genuine British Gas bills.
The emails contain a link to download a file to view a ‘bill’ which, when opened, locks victims out of computers and redirects to a payment website.
British Gas have said that their own real emails are always personalised with the customer’s name and will often quote the account number with links only going back to their own website.
Action Fraud and Notts Police urge all computer users to have up-to-date virus protection although this will not guarantee your computer from some viruses.
If you have been affected by the scam, report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.