Criminals targeting Scots during lockdown as fraud cases jump 10%

Criminals are seeking to capitalise on the Covid-19 crisis and vulnerable people are especially at risk from online and doorstep fraudsters, MSPs have been told.

Scots have been urged to be 'extra vigilant' if asked for personal information during lockdown, with instances of fraud on the rise

Community safety minister Ash Denham urged Scots to take sensible precautions if they received suspicious emails or phonecalls requesting personal information, as instances of fraud had risen in recent weeks.

She said the message from police was to be “extra vigilant”, especially if asked to share financial data.

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart asked what action the Scottish Government was taking to protect vulnerable people from such scammers, given there had been “a 10 per cent spike” in fraud cases across Scotland.

He cited examples of individuals going door-to-door claiming to be working for the NHS by collecting funds, or offering shopping for money.

The minister said the public should always ask to check the ID of anyone who came to their door unexpectedly, and call and check with the organisation.

Ms Denham added that ministers were supporting a number of measures to reassure the public.

“Neighbourhood Watch Scotland have been sharing information on potential criminal activity and offering advice on keeping safe,” she said.

“The national security cyber centre is also working with Police Scotland to raise awareness of the growing number of internet scams related to Covid-19.

“It’s very important that the public think twice before they click on links.

“But we would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a scam to report it to Police Scotland.”

It was reported by Police Scotland last week that crime across the country had reduced since social distancing measures came into effect.

Serious assaults have fallen by 40 per cent while common assaults were down by 25 per cent. Housebreaking incidents have reduced by around 30 per cent between March 24 and April 19.

However, fraud crimes across Scotland have seen a 10 per cent increase, with evidence suggesting that criminals are exploiting the public health crisis.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “The significant changes that everyone is having to adjust to are undoubtedly having an effect on the nature and level of demand on policing.

“It could be months or years before we have a clear picture of the effect that physical distancing requirements have had on some crime categories in Scotland.

“What I want to emphasise is that we remain committed to making sure that every one of Scotland’s citizens is looked after.

“Our primary responsibility is to prevent crime. We strive to leave victims of crime feeling safe and we will continue to make sure that those who are living alone, the elderly, the vulnerable are given full protection.”