MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH MSP WARNS OF INCREASE IN SCAMS DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

​PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO BE VIGILANT AND REPORT SCAMS 
 
MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie has encouraged people in Midlothian and East Lothian to be aware of scams and fake news following an increase in reports across Scotland about scam emails, 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 emails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak.
 
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 email reporting service, which the public can use to report any suspicious activity.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
"While the community response to the coronavirus outbreak in Midlothian and East Lothian 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 in Midlothian and East Lothian 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 Midlothian and East Lothian remain vigilant against scams during this challenging time and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities."