Report highlights growing threat of cybercrime

More than 1500 incidents of fraud were reported in the Mid Scotland and Fife area last year.

Statistics from non-profit fraud prevention service Cifas show that 1671 people were victims of fraud in the area in 2017.

Cifas lists six different categories of fraud which include identity fraud and application fraud.

In the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency there were 199 reports of fraud and 171 in the Stirling constituency.

Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said:“More and more people are falling victim to online and telephone scammers and these helpful statistics from Cifas show just how prevalent these crimes are.

“It’s important that people remain vigilant to telephone and internet scammers as the number of criminals targeting online access to sensitive material is rocketing.

“To have this amount of people across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire succumb to the scammers is concerning and the Scottish Government must do more to help people stay safe online.

“Statistics show that older and vulnerable people are more likely to be caught out by these types of crimes and it’s important that we spread good practice for staying safe online.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said:“We fully recognise the danger that cybercrime poses to individuals and businesses in Scotland and are supporting Police Scotland to respond effectively to the changing nature of modern crime with more specialists, including experts in cyber-crime and counter-fraud.

“As well as protecting the annual core policing budget of over £1.1bn – delivering a boost of £100m by 2021 – our draft budget for next year includes £31m dedicated reform funding to support the implementation of Policing 2026.

“Our Programme for Government set out our commitment to deliver on our strategy to make Scotland a world leading nation in cyber resilience. This will include the development of a learning and skills action plan in our education system that instils cyber resilient knowledge, attitudes and behaviours at all age levels, and that helps our citizens operate safely and confidently in the digital world.

“Anyone who wants to report fraud or attempted fraud should call Police Scotland on 101.”