SCOTS are being asked to stay alert for potential scam messages purporting to offer coronavirus vaccines, or asking for payment for vaccinations.
Chief Inspector Anton Stephenson, of Police Scotland’s Safer Communities Division, said: “We are aware of a scam circulating involving a text message suggesting people are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine. If you are concerned you have provided personal or financial information via a link in a message of this sort, contact Police Scotland via 101.
“We will pursue anyone who sets out to cause harm and misery to our communities, and our officers work closely with partners to make Scotland a hostile environment for scammers.
“Our Take Five campaign, which launched recently, raises awareness of fraud, and highlights ways people can protect themselves and remain vigilant to this kind of crime.
“Always be aware that an unsolicited telephone call, email or text message may not be from the person or organisation which it appears to be from. Never click on a link in a message you’re not expecting, and remember the NHS will never ask you for money relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has also issued an urgent scam alert following the new coronavirus lockdown.
The restrictions at the beginning of March saw an increase in scams by 400%, according to Action Fraud.
Vaccination scams are emerging as one of the top threats with users receiving messages that contains a link to a fake NHS website with an application form to register for the vaccine. The message asks for various personal and bank details which are then used by criminals.
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Jason Costain, head of fraud at RBS said: “You are now more likely to be a victim of fraud in the UK than any other crime.
“During last year’s lockdown criminals took advantage of more people working remotely and online. It therefore makes sense to take some simple steps to make yourself and your family more fraud proof.”
RBS have issued a number of tips on how to keep yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
RBS customers are reporting fake adverts on reputable sites such as Google, Facebook, eBay, and Instagram. It is advised that bank users shop online with reputable websites using MasterCard or VISA.
If an online seller asks you to send money direct from your bank account to theirs, this is probably a scam. If they fail to deliver the goods you will lose your money. When it comes to buying online, use your MasterCard or VISA to pay, or carefully follow the scam advice on auction sites such as eBay and Gumtree will help you avoid falling victim.
Criminals also use online competitions or offers of free shopping vouchers as a way of harvesting information from their next victims. Be sceptical of unsolicited phone calls, texts or emails asking for personal or bank details. The bank or the police will never ask for a full PIN or password, card-reader codes or ask you to move money from your account.
Do not recycle passwords and definitely use a unique password for your bank accounts and your email account.
There is also a number of scams taking place in relation to the postal system. With more shopping taking place online, criminals have been using fake DPD and Royal Mail emails to collect personal information which they then use to commit further fraud.
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