FRAUDSTERS are cashing in on coronavirus fears, and have reportedly made up to £800,000 in scams this month.

According to Thames Valley Police, in their latest online alert, vulnerable and elderly people are being targeted by con-artists across the country.

Half the reports made to police were by victims attempting to purchase protective face masks from fake-sellers.

One victim, in an unknown location, lost £15,000 when they made a purchase of face masks that were never delivered.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has also warned residents after receiving multiple reports of coronavirus-related phishing e-mails that are attempting to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing bank details.

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Other known scams include emails from research organisations like the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Heath Organisation.

Emails from these fraudsters claim they can provide a list of people infected with Covid-19 in your area.

But to access the emails, fraudsters make people click on links and then request payments through Bitcoin – a crypto-currency.

The police issued advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

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It said to 'be vigilant' and stay cautious of calls, e-mails and messages that are sent out of the blue.

Other advice is to 'think before you buy' and to google a seller before buying from them, and to 'protect your devices' with app updates and security measures.

Official advice for anybody who is worried about coronavirus can be found on the NHS website at NHS.uk.

The Oxford Hub is also developing a coronavirus response.

They are asking for healthy people to sign up at Oxfordhub.org/community-coronavirus-response to help those who might be in need, or self-isolating with small tasks like buying milk.