As a former Justice Secretary, I can assure you online fraud is not a victim-less crime Kenny Macaskill

Police Scotland have rightly been telling folk to ca’ canny as Christmas beckons.

Recorded crime may have fallen but as one door shuts, another one opens for criminals. Most fraud has moved online and it’s why we must all beware.

With coronavirus restrictions in place or people not wishing or able to venture out to their usual shopping outlets, online purchases are increasing, and with it the risk of fraud.

S o, I’d urge people to take note of the advice. Many of the fraudulent schemes are highly sophisticated. No shame attaches to being a victim as it’s all too easy to be taken in.

Despite all my experience, I’ve nearly been duped myself. But it’s still impor tant that it’s repor ted to the authorities whether police or trading standards

Often it may be unlikely that any restitution will be possible, as the perpetrators can often be out of the countr y. But it’s still impor tant that it’s notified as it allows for action to be taken to protect others by closing it down.

This transition in criminalit y was obvious when I was Justice S ecretar y, accelerated while I was chairing the S cottish AntiIllicit Trade Group and it continues apace, even if much of my knowledge is now garnered from my elder son, who works in a major financial institution’s fraud depar tment, and he’s busier than ever.

It’s impor tant to remember that it’s ever ything and anything. Many of the schemes at this time of year will relate to counterfeit goods. But it’s not restricted to cigarettes or alcohol. Literally ever ything can be copied and traded.

Farming once thought it was off the criminals’ radar, but one consignment of cheap fer tiliser which would have been calamitous for S cotland the Brand, not just the individual farmer, was thankfully intercepted.

Puppy farming has likewise been infiltrated by criminal gangs. S o, there is nothing off-limits.

More often, though, it’s popular brands. whether IT goods or fash

ion wear, which will appear on screens and with enticing offers.

But as the Law S ociet y used to rightly advise solicitors when I was still practising, “if it’s to good to be true, then it’s too good to be true”.

It’s cheap for a reason and that is it’s counterfeit.

The sites that pop up promoting these goods are professionally put together. Testimonials may well appear, all of which are fictitious, but give some added credence to them.

Hence, why buying from reputable traders is safest. If in doubt, then check. With these goods,

there’ll be no taking them back, let alone getting your money back.

Not only are they not the real deal, some can be positively dangerous. It’s profit not health and safet y that’s the priorit y for these folks.

Don’t think it’s a victimless crime either or just the taxman or some

corporate giant missing out on revenue. This is big-time crime and law-abiding folk pay.

Small businesses go bust, shops shut, and people lose their jobs. These are hard enough times for legitimate business, suppor t them, not corner boys who harm us all.