HAMPSHIRE residents are being warning that organised crime groups may try and exploit the coronavirus outbreak.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) announced earlier this week that crime groups could use the pandemic to target vulnerable people.

Assessment carried out by the NCA have revealed a number of issues that criminals are already looking to exploit.

Cyber-crime investigators have seen instances of coronavirus-themed malicious apps and websites, as well as email phishing attacks aimed at stealing personal and financial information.

The NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit is advising people to be "extra vigilant" when seeking out online information relating to the pandemic and to ensure they are following online safety advice which can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website.

Steve Rodhouse, NCA Director General (operations), said: “Our mission in leading the fight against serious and organized crime has never been more important, and our work continues.

“We recognise that the Covid-19 outbreak may provide opportunities for criminals, and we are monitoring intelligence and crime trends to ensure that we, and the whole law enforcement system, can react as needed.”

London Police have issued an alert regarding fraudsters using the outbreak to facilitate fraud and cyber-crime.

Reported cases include criminals posing as health officials in an attempt to get victims to disclose personal information.

There have also been cases of criminal networks exploiting demand for certain coronavirus-related products.

One such incident saw a consignment of suspected fake Covid-19 test kits sent from the UK seized by US border officials in Los Angeles.

A man was arrested in Sussex for attempting to send 60 more fake treatment kits to France, the US, and other parts of the UK, and has since been charged.

As schools close, the agency is increasing its work with partners to bolster child safeguarding and online safety education.

There is a risk of increased offending as people spend more time online and indoors, and the NCA is appealing to parents and carers to visit the Thinkuknow educational website for advice about keeping children and young people safe.

While travel restrictions are impacting the levels of traffic passing through the UK border, only this week a seizure of half-a-tonne of cocaine was made by Border Force at Dover, leading NCA officers to charge a man with attempted importation.