Ayr MSP, Siobhian Brown, is urging constituents to be cautious online — after reports of cybercrime and extortion in the area.
Scammers and fraudsters can take advantage of vulnerable people by gaining access to their personal information.
There have been particular instances of cases involving online extortion amongst the elderly — with some losing out on thousands after their bank details were shared.
Methods used by fraudsters are becoming ever more sophisticated and are constantly evolving to take advantage of others.
The MSP for Ayr raised the issue in Parliament with Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown, who assured her that Police Scotland works closely with other organisations at a national level to confront online criminals head-on and keep the public safe.
There are several simple precautions that members of the public can take to protect themselves online, such as by using strong passwords, being mindful of what is shared on social media, and double-checking who they are sending money to.
SNP MSP for Ayr, Siobhian Brown, said: “I have been working closely with Police Scotland in my role as an MSP and have been concerned to hear about an increased number of reports regarding cybercrime in the area which has been hitting elderly people the hardest.
“I am pleased to hear that the Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and other cyber security organisations in order to keep the public safe.
“While this work takes place at a national level, we all must take steps to look out for vulnerable people in our community by making sure they take some simple measures to increase their online security.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown, said: “The Scottish Government works closely with Police Scotland and other Cyber Scotland partners, including the National Cyber Security Centre, to protect the public and organisations from cyber threats. We also work closely with Police Scotland and partners on the Serious Organised Crime Task Force to oversee work carried out to reduce the harm caused by serious organised crime in Scotland.
“Sharing intelligence and experience is key to responding to cyber threats. We are active members of the UK Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership, which we encourage all eligible organisations in Scotland to join.”
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