MSP warns Falkirk residents to guard against scams

Opportunistic scammers are using the current coronavirus crisis as a way to coin in some easy money.
Falkirk East MSP Angus MacDonald is warning residents to watch out for scams during the coronavirus lockdownFalkirk East MSP Angus MacDonald is warning residents to watch out for scams during the coronavirus lockdown
Falkirk East MSP Angus MacDonald is warning residents to watch out for scams during the coronavirus lockdown

Falkirk East MSP Angus MacDonald is encouraging people in the Falkirk area to be aware of scams and fake news following an increase in reports across Scotland about scam e-mails, text messages and doorstep callers.

Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with e-mails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak.

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Police Scotland have now launched a new Shut Out Scammers resource to protect the public and businesses from COVID-19 related scams.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also launched an e-mail reporting service, which the public can use to report any suspicious activity.

Mr MacDonald said: “While the community response to the coronavirus outbreak in Falkirk district has been overwhelmingly positive, it's disappointing to see a few individuals taking advantage of the situation with unsolicited emails, phone calls and text messages.

“During this coronavirus crisis, everyone across Falkirk district should take extra care to ensure that they only share information from trusted sources, ask for identification from all doorstep callers, and never hand over any personal information.

“It’s vital that people in our communities remain vigilant against scams during this challenging time and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities."