The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning businesses to be on the lookout for an email purporting to be from a potential client containing a virus.
The email the NFIB discovered purports to be from a male who wishes to become a client and is requesting a quote for some conveyancing work.
Attached to the e-mail is a zip file which is password protected and the author of the e-mail states that it contains a copy passport, utility bill, valuation, bank statement and the vendor’s solicitors name and address.
Upon investigation the zip file actually contains a scanned passport image and scanned water bill (both of which have been confirmed as fake documents) and a PDF document. If you attempt to open the PDF document, an error message appears on screen.
This PDF document is actually a script file which downloads when an attempt is made to open it and allows remote access to your computer.
From there fraudsters could have complete access to your computer and steal or delete sensitive information. If you receive an email like this, do not click on any links or files, delete it and report it to us.
For further information please visit the City of London Police website.
Please note that Action Fraud is not responsible for the content of external websites.
To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
Related links
Protect your business from fraud
Small businesses lose £785 million to cybercrime
Virus contained in supermarket voucher