The public have been warned to be aware of the potential for fraudsters to exploit the spread of Covid-19 to carry out scams.

An Garda Síochána has warned that these scams may be carried out either online or in person and could include phishing, social engineering scams or fraudulent selling.

In a statement, the gardaí warned that phishing is where a company or person receives an unsolicited email, text, WhatsApp message or telephone call claiming to be from a legitimate organisation.

These communications will contain an attachment containing what it claims is vital information regarding Covid-19 and prompting the receiver to open the attachment.

It can also ask the victim to enter email login details to assess this vital information and in both ways, can lead to malware infecting the computer.

As a result people are advised never to open attachments in unsolicited emails and ensure your computer has the most up to date anti-virus software installed.

People are also urged to be aware of scams where criminals attempt to exploit the charitable nature of people via social media or in person asking for donations to so-called charitable causes.

The criminal could be posing as a collector for a real charity or could set up online funding campaigns.

The public are encouraged to only ever donate to legitimate, recognised charities. If they encounter a person claiming to be from a charity, look to see their ID and collection permit.  If in doubt, do not contribute.

Gardaí also warn that criminals may try to fraudulent sell in-demand medical supplies like facemasks or hand sanitiser online.

These goods may be offered for sale on legitimate second-hand selling sites, via fake website or via social media sites.

In all cases the fraudster will ask for the money to be transferred into a bank account, or seek a deposit or even payment up front.

These goods are then not delivered or counterfeit goods are delivered.