Dangers of shopping on the internet
We are committed to tackling serious organised crime and reducing the harm it causes to individuals, communities and our economy.
Police Scotland and the Intellectual Property Office have joined forces to warn of the hidden dangers of shopping online after consumers’ details were used to set up websites selling counterfeit products.
An animated game show based on cases investigated by Police Scotland has been developed to highlight the dangers of shopping online without taking proper steps to protect your security. It comes after a major brand identified around 2700 websites on the UK network selling counterfeit items of their goods. More than 200 of these sites were registered in Scotland.
Victims had purchased the products, many believing they were genuine, and their details were then used to register websites on the UK network. The products they had originally purchased through the internet were all from Asia.
The game show, Scam You!, will be promoted on Police Scotland’s social media channels and its website. Signs to watch out for include spelling and grammatical errors which can indicate a website is not genuine; the ‘contact us’ page contains a web form online rather than any telephone or email details for the company’s headquarters; make sure your web browser and internet security is up to date; check the website payment page is secure and look for the padlock in the address line before you enter any card details. Be aware, however, that some of these websites can be very sophisticated. Finally, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Go to www.getsafeonline for more information.
Locally, police are appealing for information in relation to damage to the lawn and building of Quarter Bowling Club, Limekilnburn Road, Quarter. The damage was caused in the early hours of the morning on Friday, May 4, by a suspect described as wearing a grey hooded top and jogging trousers, who was also wearing gloves.
Another bowling club was targeted about 5am on Sunday, May 6. Blantyre Bowling Club reported an attempt to force open door shutters and damage to windows by persons intent on stealing from within. Police have carried out a scene of crime examination and are viewing CCTV to identify the suspects.
Officers are also looking for information after nine haulage trucks at a yard in Bellshill Road, Uddingston, had curtain sides sliced open by suspects intent on stealing from within. There have been previous incidents at this location and police are providing addition patrols.
Between Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4, at Larkfield Court, Blantyre, an unknown suspect forcibly removed a wooden panel covering on door, entered property and stole a television.
Also between May 3 and May 4 at Austine Drive, Hamilton, a quantity of coins and a pair of designer sunglasses were stolen from an insecure motor vehicle. If you have any information you feel should be reported or information on any of the crimes previously detailed please contact the police using 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.