Police have warned they will take "robust action" against anyone who coughs on people while claiming to have coronavirus to frighten them.
Officers said they are aware of a number of incidents where people have deliberately coughed, or threatened to cough, on elderly or vulnerable people after suggesting they are infected with Covid-19.
Police Scotland said it was not a "harmless prank" and is extremely upsetting for victims.
They warned such behaviour would not be tolerated.
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Chief Superintendent David Duncan, of the Safer Communities Division, said: "These are difficult times and we all need to look out for others and do what we can to keep our communities as safe as possible.
"We've become aware of a number of incidents where people have suggested they are infected with coronavirus and deliberately coughed, or threatened to cough, on elderly or vulnerable people.
"This is not a harmless prank – this is extremely upsetting to victims and causes fear and increased anxiety at an already stressful time.
"We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and we will take robust action against anyone threatening other people in this way."
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