TRADING Standards are warning internet users to be aware of a suspect email message.

The scam email, which – unusually – has been received be officers at Gloucestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team, claims to be from BT.

The message is headed ‘BT Business Direct Order – Notice of Delivery’ and quotes an order number, which is different on every email. It uses BT Business Direct logos, as well as contact details and, and details a specific order and delivery.

Attached to the email is a zip file, which the email states contains further information of the delivery.

Trading Standards’ computer systems have confirmed this contains a virus and are warning anyone who receives it that it should not be opened.

Head of Trading Standards Eddie Coventry said it was unusual for scam emails to be received by his officers.

“This one looks quite convincing, reproducing the logos and contact details of the company,” he said. “It looks genuine and is very convincing, except that we knew we had not ordered anything from the company.

“We understand that good virus protection should prevent problems but any business opening the file without virus protection could make themselves vulnerable to cyber fraud or damage to their computer system.”

GCC cabinet member for community safety Cllr Will Windsor-Clive said it was possible other businesses in the county may have received the email.

“We want to alert businesses of the risk of clicking on this link,” he said.