Researchers at the computer security firm Sophos have found that a host of fraudsters, mostly organized crime gangs from Russia, are reaping huge profits from the online sales of fake antiviral medicine, Tamiflu, to Britons paranoid about swine flu.

The conmen, who operate the devious pharmacies, drive the unsuspecting online shoppers to their sites; cashing in on the fear of the anxious people that they may not be able to obtain Tamiflu from the NHS.

Underlining concerns about safety of the people, Sophos noted that a number of buyers are handing over cash for drugs that are potentially useless; thereby helping the counterfeit drug- peddlers earn between £10,000 and £60,000 every day.

As per the Sophos research, other than the UK residents, the other countries in which people are buying fake Tamiflu and other drugs online are the US, Canada, Germany and France. The research also noted that not only are people buying fake medications, they are also exposing their confidential data to crime gangs.

Commenting on the disquieting situation, Sophos’ Graham Cluley said: “As more and more cases of swine flu in the UK come to light, it is essential that we all resist the panic-induced temptation to purchase Tamiflu online.”