A DORSET resident is urging people to ignore a scam email which tells people they have cancer.

David Ruck says he received an email with the header ‘important blood analysis result’ that urged him to open an attachment to see the ‘test results’.

Action Fraud is urging people not to open the attachment as it is likely to contain malware.

It tells people the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has been sent a sample of their blood for further research.

An example of the scam reads: “During the complete blood count (CBC) we have revealed that white blood cells are very low, and unfortunately we have a suspicion of a cancer.”

Mr Ruck, of Winfrith, said: “Don’t panic if you get one and don’t open the attachment. It will make your computer vulnerable to a whole host of viruses.”

Sir Andrew Dillon, Nice chief executive, said: “This email is likely to cause distress to recipients since it advises that ‘test results’ indicate they may have cancer. This malicious email is not from Nice and we are currently investigating its origin.”