A SCAM email containing a virus and pretending to be from Royal Mail is being sent by scammers, warns Halton Council.

The email says that Royal Mail is holding a parcel or letter for the recipient who needs to follow instructions for the item to be delivered.

Trading Standards officers warn that by following the instructions in the email the virus is downloaded to the recipient’s computer.

A spokesman for Halton Council said: “This virus encrypts files on the victim’s system and requests a ransom be paid in order for the files to be decrypted.

“The cost of decrypting the files will increase the longer the fine is outstanding.”

They are advising Halton residents to protect themselves from this and other email scams by taking the following measures: • Look at who the email is addressed to. Is it generic or specifically addressed?

• Do not open attachments from unsolicited emails regardless of who they are from.

• Do not click on the link supplied. Instead, go to the relevant website and log in from there.

• Check the address of any email received to see if it appears legitimate.

To report scams, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.