COVID-19 has become one of the top scams being used by thieves today to steal money from seniors and others.

Toronto Police have issued a Public Safety Alert to warn area residents of a rise in recent weeks involving online scams associated to the pandemic.

Detectives say conmen are sending text messages seeking banking information for non-existent ‘fines for leaving the house too many times in a day.’

Officers are warning of various telephone or door-to-door scams including offers to shop for, and deliver, groceries for senior and others as these often include a request for credit card information.

The crooks are also demanding by text banking information for the alleged processing of government payments for Canada Emergency Response Benefits or Canada Revenue Agency.

There are demands for immediate payment with a threat of cancelled services like Internet streaming sites.

Police say beware of e-mails with fraudulent links on topics “Delivery details” for those most likely to be using delivery services or “Special offers” for COVID-19-related products or services.

Fraud cops are warning of sites offering “sale of COVID-19-related products and services, such as testing kits, cleaning products or remedies.”

People should also beware of sites with ‘Notices of Information,’ or from ‘health officials,’ requesting information.

Police are reminding residents to take precautions to protect themselves while online.

They warn online users not to click on random links, never provide personal or banking information, do not install unknown applications, use two-factor authentication for online payments, strong passwords, back up your work regularly and work offline when possible and use software to protect yourself from malware or viruses.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of any fraud can contact police at 416-808-2222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.