Police ‘Scam Van’ on Arran as part of awareness campaign
Scams and how to avoid them were in the spotlight when Police Scotland and North Ayrshire Trading Standards officers recently visited Brodick.
As part of a campaign aimed at educating and informing the public about current scams, Police Scotland Ayrshire's prevention and intervention officers joined island police to hand out free crime prevention booklets and to offer residents the chance to share concerns or have a home security survey or call blocker fitted from their specially fitted “Scam Van”.
Arran sergeant Kevin Blackley has been working with trading standards to help find solutions to help prevent more people on Arran falling victim to scammers.
He said: “Frauds and scams are really high on my agenda for the island and I'm trying to do as much as I can to better inform islanders, especially the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community, to stop them from becoming a victim.
“Any one of us has the potential to fall victim to the elaborate and apparently genuine scams out there, especially at this time with the current high cost of living. The promise of free goods or refunds or final demand type emails can be tempting or appear genuine. Whether it's received by email, letter or a telephone call, I'd advise anyone to stop for a moment and think before they act.
“If you are in any doubt, never give anyone bank details, PIN numbers or transfer money, even if a call appears to be from
‘If you are in any doubt, never give anyone bank details, PIN numbers or transfer money, even if a call appears to be from your bank.’
your bank.” Sergeant Blackley intends on hosting further information campaigns over the coming months and he can also provide nuisance call blockers which he can fit for more vulnerable members of the community experiencing a large amount of nuisance or unwanted calls.
Advice to help reduce your chances of falling prey to online scams includes changing your passwords regularly. If you use the same one to log in to multiple sites, you are more at risk of fraudsters accessing personal information.
When selling items online one of the most common types of fraud experienced locally - on platforms including eBay or Gumtree, Sergeant Blakley's advice is to ensure you are paid for items before posting them, especially high value items.
Sergeant Blackley added: “If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud and money has been taken from your bank account, contact with your bank immediately. Their number is often printed on the back of your card.”
Being able to recognise potential fraudulent schemes and knowing what to look out for is often the best way to protect yourself. More advice on current scams can be obtained by visiting Police Scotland's scams and frauds page on its website at www.scotland. police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/ or on the Trading Standards website at www.tsscot.co.uk/ news/scam-share/.
Sergeant Blackley can also be contacted for advice by calling Police Scotland on 101.