The Department of Health today appealed to people to beware of a deceptive email, sent in its name, asking recipients to donate $100 to support the development of a novel coronavirus vaccine.

The department clarified that it issued no such email, which was sent from "Department of Health<donate@dhraising.com>".

It also clarified that a website included in the email, with the domain name “www.dh.gov.hk/donate/coronavirus-2020,” is not the department’s official site.

The case was referred to Police for further investigation.

Anyone who provided personal information or conducted financial transactions with the website concerned should contact Police.