The public has been warned to be wary of online scams, as the National Crime Agency (NCA) said it had taken down more than 2,000 scams.

Lynne Owens, the director general of the NCA, said the organisation had taken action against fake online shops, malware and phishing sites looking for card details and passwords.

She urged the public to be cautious online and not to give out passwords or bank details.

Ms Owens said: ‘The National Cyber Security Centre, together with ourselves and the City of London Police, have taken down more than 2,000 scams relating to coronavirus, including fake online shops, malware distribution sites and fishing sites, seeking personal information such as passwords or credit card details.

Addressing the public at the daily coronavirus press conference, she went on: ‘We have an ask of you.

‘Criminals will try and exploit this national crisis.

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‘We are not trying to scare people at a time when many of us are already anxious but we do want you to be aware of the simple steps you can take to protect yourselves and your loves one from harm online.’

‘We will take swift action against anyone unlawfully selling fake kits of PPE. For example, a man from West Sussex was recently arrested by City of London Police and charged after being caught making and selling Covid-19 treatment kits to people in the UK, the US and France.’

The revelations come as the Home Secretary Priti Patel warned criminals seeking to exploit the crisis ‘we are onto you’.

She also paid tribute to a ‘popular and funny’ police officer who died in a crash in Sheffield.

Ms Owens went on: ‘Firstly, protect your children online, we have created a range of material that will help you to talk to them however young they are and without frightening them. It includes guidance on how to identify manipulative behaviour. You can find a step by step guide at ThinkuKnow.co.uk.

‘Secondly stay safe online – the new Cyber Aware campaign sets out six top tips on how to protect yourself online. These include creating strong passwords using three random words, regularly updating your devices and turning on backup. More details are on the Cyber Aware website.

‘Thirdly look after your money, fraudsters have targeted members of the public by phone, by text and by email, they have used the current situation to peddle fake testing kits and prescription drugs, we are asking you to be vigilant of these scams.

‘Be even more cautious than usual if you are contracted by unknown numbers and don’t open suspicious emails or their attachments.’

UK government’s coronavirus update: April 25

• Criminals taking advantage of crisis warned ‘we are onto you’
• Priti Patel pays tribute to ‘popular and funny’ police officer who died in crash
• Warning about coronavirus scammers as 2,000 online hoaxes shut down

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