“BE VIGILANT AND REPORT SCAMS” SAYS GILRUTH

Published date : 24 Apr 2020

The MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Jenny Gilruth, has encouraged people in Mid Fife and Glenrothes to be aware of scams and fake news following an increase in reports across Scotland about scam emails, text messages, and doorstep callers.

Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with emails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak.

Police Scotland have now launched a new Shut Out Scammers resource to protect the public and businesses from COVID-19 related scams. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also launched an email reporting service, which the public can use to report any suspicious activity.

Commenting, the Fife Politician said:

“While the community response to the coronavirus outbreak in Fife has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s disappointing to see a few individuals taking advantage of the situation with unsolicited emails, phone calls and text messages.

“During this coronavirus crisis, everyone in Fife should take extra care to ensure that they only share information from trusted sources, ask for identification from all doorstep callers, and never hand over any personal information.

“It’s vital that people in Fife remain vigilant against scams during this challenging time and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/shut-out-scammers

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/report-suspicious-emails

Photo attached: Graphic on the dangers of scams.

Local Reporters