The National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE) reports that emails are being sent out at random saying that the recipient's blood sample shows a low white blood count and may have cancer.
The email tells them to download and print out an attached file and visit their GP. The downloaded attachment may infect the computer and could then be used to steal data, such as passwords and usernames, or to take over the computer and use it to scam other people in your mailing lists.
Anyone who had recently taken a blood test would be likely to be deeply distressed. People who have not recently had a blood test could be puzzled and alarmed.
Blood test results are never sent out in this way and the email should be ignored. Never download any files from someone you don't know or who claim to be from an official body.
Even emails from someone you know may be the result of their computers being hacked. A recent message from an acquaintance claimed that he was on holiday in Kiev (of all places), had been mugged and needed some cash to help him get back to Bromley. Even ignoring the fact that Kiev was in the middle of violent protests at the time the language used did not ring true. If you suspect an email it is worth ringing the person up to ask if they sent it. Do NOT click the reply button as scammed emails will send your reply to the scammer.
A useful list of current scams can be seen at this website :- moneywise.co.uk/scams and rip-offs
You can also report scams or other frauds at :- http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
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