Scammers try to cash in on lockdown passes in virus-hit Moscow

A law enforcement officer wearing a protective mask stands guard at a checkpoint set up after Moscow authorities tightened up measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Moscow, Russia April 16, 2020. REUTERS/Tatyana Makeyeva

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Fraudsters are trying to cash in on a new coronavirus travel permit system in Moscow by offering to help people illegally circumvent it for cash, online adverts for their services show.

The scams, which have been highlighted by the mayor's office and a cyber security company, follow the introduction this week of travel permits designed to help police the coronavirus lockdown.