Tom’s scammer warning as crooks take advantage of Covid-19 crisis

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur is urging people in his constituency to be aware of scams following an increase in reports across the country.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations, with emails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak.

Police Scotland has 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 has also introduced an email reporting service, which the public can use to report any suspicious activity.

SNP politician Mr Arthur, pictured, said: “While the community response to the coronavirus outbreak in Renfrewshire South 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 Renfrewshire South 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 Renfrewshire South remain vigilant against scams during this challenging time and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Across the UK, we are beginning to see evidence that fraudsters are increasingly targeting the public and organisations with emails, texts, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages offering advice and treatment for the coronavirus.

“They are setting up fake websites selling products and offering‘cures’or testing kits.

“Scammers have also been setting up bogus websites asking for donations for victims or promoting awareness and prevention tips.

“Cold callers have been contacting organisations suggesting they must have specific measures in place by a certain deadline.”

Find out more information about staying safe at www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/ personal-safety/shut-out-scammers