Scam emails related to the coronavirus are showing up in local inboxes, warns Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers.

He posted on the department’s Facebook page a notice from the health section of the federal Cyber Security Coordination Center regarding a computer virus threat on what appears to be a legitimate informational website.

“With the concern over a virus which can make people sick, we have sick people trying to introduce a virus to take your money. Nice,” said Myers.

“Remember, this is ONE EXAMPLE of a website designed by criminals to take advantage of you by exploiting fear and concern,” said Myers’ post. “In this case, clicking on this website can introduce a computer virus to compromise your computer in order to steal your personal information.”

Myers said to stick with trusted sources for coronavirus updates, locally, the Grays Harbor County Health Department, http://www.healthygh.org/covid19. There you will see frequently asked questions and links to state and national informational sources, including the Centers for Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The national site has frequently updated information.

“Please do not allow criminals to exploit fear as we deal with COVID-19 concerns and precautions,” said Myers.