National Crime Agency Director Steve Rodhouse called for parents to be extra vigilant because the outbreak has meant kids have more time at home online.
Speaking this morning, the top cop explained criminals would look to “exploit” the changes Brits were now facing to their lives.
He said: “We are seeing an increased threat of fraud, cyber crime and we are also concerned about the amount of time young people in particular are spending online, and the risk that poses to them, being victims of sexual exploitation.
“We are just mindful that in different circumstances young people will be spending more time online, potentially in chat rooms, and we know that’s an area paedophiles operate in.
“I would ask people to check out the NCA’s ‘thinkuknow‘ now operational website that has lots of great information both for parents and for carers.”
Boasting 24 years experience as a police officer, Mr Rodhouse also warned fraudsters were beginning to use the outbreak to trick Brits into handing over their details.
He said: “Over the last few days we’ve seen examples of people being subject to frauds, being asked to buy virus testing kits that don’t exist, being subject to financial fraud, being asked to click on websites and emails that are coronavirus linked but actually designed to infect their computers and steal their details.
“We are asking people to be suspicious, be cautious, and ask where emails are coming from.
“We are well used to making difficult decisions and prioritising workload, and we in the National Crime Agency will always tackle those groups and those people that pose the biggest threat to the public.”
Last week it was announced that people in certain vital jobs could continue sending their kids to school, to ease the childcare burden.
But most will instead stay home in a move the Government says could slow the spread.
On Sunday Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “If your work is not critical in the response to coronavirus, then please keep your child at home.
“This will help to halt the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“We will be closely monitoring what is happening in schools and will ensure they get the support they need in the weeks and months ahead.”
It came as:
- An 18-year-old was thought to have become the youngest victim of the virus in Britain as the number of deaths in the UK rose to 335 today
- There are growing fears that Britain is on a similar trajectory to Italy – scene of the world’s worst outbreak – where the death toll passed 5,000 over the weekend
- The PM warned the NHS could be “overwhelmed” in the same way as the Italian healthcare system has been, if the spread of the virus in the UK is not curbed
- 1.5million vulnerable people will be written to this week to tell them to stay indoors
- Trains were taken under government control this morning – with Brits able to get a refund on unused season tickets
- All McDonalds branches will be closed from tonight – along with Nando’s, Costa Coffee, John Lewis, Primark and Timpson
- Ministers will bring forward emergency laws to the Commons tonight giving the PM sweeping powers to fine people who don’t isolate
Yesterday letters to around 1.5million of Britain’s most vulnerable were sent out by the government – telling them to stay at home to save their lives.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed thousands at risk of not recovering from coronavirus have officially been told to stay in for 12 weeks.
