A fraudster may call pretending to be from the victim’s bank advising of suspicious activity and thereafter induces the victim to hang up the telephone and call the number on the back of their bank card.
In these cases the fraudster stays on the line pretending to be a representative of the bank, then instructs the victim to transfer money into a ‘safe account’.
Fraudsters are cunning, creative and often very convincing.
Your bank will never ask you to transfer money into another account. If you receive a phone call, apparently from your bank, under the above circumstances, call into your local branch or phone your bank using a different telephone.
A new taskforce set up to tackle online child sexual abuse has already made 39 arrests in its first four-weeks of operation from 1st September.
Of the 39, 37 resulted in the recovery of material relating to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
All of those arrested were men ranging in age from 15 to 76 years old.
Dozens of children were identified as being at risk or potentially at risk and have now been protected.
Internet grooming and online child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a priority for Police Scotland.
Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton, Lead for Major Crime, Public Protection and Local Crime, said: “Recorded crimes for online offending have risen substantially in line with our determined and recent proactive work to uncover this hidden criminality.
“Online offenders may think they are anonymous, and they may not comprehend the terrible, devastating and lifelong impact their actions have on children. But there is no excuse for their actions. Online images of child abuse and exploitation are not virtual, they show the very real abuse of a real child.
“We are determined to improve our response, invest in resources and latest technologies, to track down predators and abusers, and to make sure they face the full consequences of their actions.
“Tackling online CSA requires a cross partnership effort not only through enforcement but also on deterrence by means of offender programmes. And we are also working with the National Police Chiefs Council on ways we can prevent this criminality on a larger scale.”
From next week Police Scotland will run the next phase of its online child sexual abuse campaign #GetHelpOrGetCaught, which signposts offenders or potential offenders to Stop It Now!Scotland for help to stop or prevent offending.
A total of 1,036 online child sexual abuse crimes were recorded between April and September, according to Police Scotland’s 2010-21 Quarter 2 Performance Report, an increase of 18.4% on the previous year and 35.8% above the five year mean.
Police Scotland has today issued its Qtr 2 Management Information data for the period of 1st April to 30th September 2020.
These figures show that the number of serious assaults fell from 181 to 128, while there were also 40 fewer robberies and assault with intent to rob, compared with the same time last year.
A proactive approach to tackling weapons offences within the Capital has seen a rise in the number of these crimes recorded.
In total, 13 more offences for carrying an offensive weapon were recorded, however, the number of crimes for handling a knife fell from 95 to 77.
Overall, offences involving offensive or bladed weapons rose from 387 to 411 and more crimes were detected, up from 323 to 339 year-on-year.
Similar to the rest of the country, fraud has increased within Edinburgh. In total, 837 fraud offences were recorded during the six-month period, compared with 700 in the same timeframe the previous year.
There have also been increases in the number of crimes for taking and distributing indecent images of children, as well as the threatening to, or disclosure of intimate images.
A further 16 crimes for indecent images of children were recorded, while five more crimes for threatening to or disclosing of intimate images were also recorded.
Continued and targeted monitoring of Edinburgh’s road network has seen drink and drug driving offences increase, with 251 offences in the first six months of 2020/21, compared with 190 the year before.
There have been two occasions where there has been a fatality during a road collisions, which is the same as last year. However, serious and slight injury collisions have both fallen within the Capital.
Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “Following the last quarter data, we are beginning to see crime levels return to normal levels. However, we remain committed to keeping our communities safe and bringing offenders to justice.
“While I am pleased to see the benefits of our proactive approach towards weapons, and of course, the fall in violent offences, it is always disheartening to see a rise in drink driving offences. It is never acceptable to get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and we will continue to target motorists who do so.
“Rises in online crimes are consistent across the country and continue to bring new challenges to policing.
“However, as DCC Fiona Taylor set out today, our cyber strategy provides clear direction as to how we aim to tackle the threat, risk and harm of digitally-enabled crime.”
Police are appealing for information after a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in the Corstorphine area.
The incident happened at around 6.40pm on Saturday (7 November). She was walking from the direction of the Tesco Extra store at Corstorphine and turned onto Broomhall Road at a convenience store and hair salon.
She was aware of a man following her along Broomhall Road. As she approached the junction of Broomhall Road and Broomhall Loan, she was approached from behind by the man, who asked her for the time.
He then assaulted her before running off along Broomhall Road towards Meadow Place Road.
He is described as white, around 30 to 40-years-old with short black hair and fair eyebrows. He was wearing a black mask and a black padded jacket.
Detective Sergeant Mark Seymour said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area both before and after this incident who may have seen this man or know who he is. In particular we are asking anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV that may have picked up anything suspicious to get in touch.
“Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1676 of Sunday, 8 November, 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police in Edinburgh have received reports of malicious calls being made purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC phone numbers to deceive victims stating that as a result of non-payment of tax, they are liable for prosecution.
The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this by arranging a payment to be made immediately.
In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make contact via letter and potentially follow up with a call later. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of and will not demand immediate payment.
• Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up. • Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. • Know who you’re dealing with – if you are unsure or need help, talk to someone you know or get in touch with trading standards at Trading.Standards@edinburgh.gov.uk • Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. • Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information.
If you think you’ve been scammed report it via 101 and also contact your bank. As always, if you are in immediate danger call 999.
For further advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit our website http://ow.ly/hJnD50CcULF
For advice and guidance on suspicious emails or ‘phishing’ emails or text messages, please visit http://ow.ly/Uc2M50CcULE
Take advantage of the free online training at http://ow.ly/70ry50CcULD to learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others
Investigations are under way following a number of serious incidents across Scotland on Bonfire Night.
Police officers and firefighters were attacked with fireworks and other objects being thrown at them. On other occasions, groups caused damage to cars and properties.
In Edinburgh police received reports of anti-social behaviour in Pennywell Place. Officers attended and a 16-year-old male youth was arrested and is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
In Hay Avenue, officers had to deal with a large group of youths throwing fireworks and bricks at them. A police vehicle was also damaged in this incident. Officers also attended Arthur’s Seat where groups of youths had gathered with fireworks and a bonfire was alight.
In Glasgow, officers came under attack in Dale Street with youths throwing fireworks at them. In Glenisla Street, a police officer was struck on the head with a firework. He was treated at the scene and continued his shift.
In Kendoon Avenue, police received a report of a vehicle on fire. Officers attended and the police car’s windscreen was smashed, resulting in an officer washing glass from his eye. He continued on duty and one man was arrested.
In Auchmead Road, Greenock, an unauthorised bonfire event resulted in firefighters and officers being attacked as youths threw fireworks and bottles. Public order officers were deployed to deal with the incident. A 15-year old male youth was arrested and charged. He is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “As the Chief Constable has said, it is disgraceful and deplorable when officers and staff are subjected to violence during the course of their duties.
“Across the country, the overwhelming majority of the public enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and I want to thank them for heeding our advice. However, I am disappointed at the level of disorder and anti-social behaviour seen last night. A minority of people’s behaviour has once again put lives at risk. It also places intense pressure on the emergency services and impacts severely on local communities.
“The evening of Thursday, 5 November, 2020, saw a number of serious incidents arising throughout Scotland that required Operation Moonbeam resources to support local policing colleagues.
“The majority of these incidents involved young people. To be absolutely clear, such actions are dangerous and cause harm to the public and emergency service workers.
“We will not tolerate such acts and you may not have been arrested last night but rest assured, officers are carrying out follow-up investigations to identify those involved and responsible. Additional officers will continue to be deployed over the coming days to support local divisions.”
Dispersal Zones remain in place until midnight tonight.
Police Scotland officers dealt with more than 300 house gatherings over last weekend, the vast majority of which were small groups of people in houses.
More than 300 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued and 24 people were arrested between Friday, 30 October, and Sunday, 1 November.
The majority of FPNs issued were to small groups from different households meeting in homes in clear breach of the regulations in place to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said:“Officers dealt with a significant number of calls to house gatherings over the weekend and we have been quite clear that we will enforce the law where necessary, as the public would expect us to do.
“We are not just talking about large parties. The vast majority were smaller groups of different households meeting indoors.
“House gatherings of any size cause the virus to spread and we are asking people to do the right thing and take personal responsibility.
“I fully understand the implications the current restrictions have on our daily lives, but we cannot have people twisting the rules and disregarding the law which is there to stop the spread of coronavirus and help save lives.
“Anyone clearly breaking the law should be in no doubt that they will be met with a robust response from Police Scotland.”
Police have released CCTV images of two men they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries following an assault and robbery which took place on Newhaven Place last year.
The incident happened shortly after 12am on Wednesday, 24 April 2019.
A man sustained minor facial injuries as a result of the incident, during which his Shih Tzu Westie Cross dog was stolen.
The first man is described as a white man, aged between 30 and 40, around 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket with a white logo on the left sleeve, black trousers, black shoes and a black beanie hat. He spoke with a Glaswegian accent.
The second man is described as a white man, aged between 20 and 30, of medium build with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark grey long-sleeved top with black sides, black joggers and red trainers.
Detective Constable Ryan Lee of Edinburgh’s CID said: “I would urge anyone who may recognise these men, who knows the whereabouts of the dog or who has any information which could be relevant to this enquiry to report it as soon as possible.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0087 of 24 April 2019, or report this anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This year nine dispersal zones have been authorised in Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from today (Wednesday 4th) to Saturday 7th November.
Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.
This means that we can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours. If they do return, they can be arrested.
The nine zones are Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.
They will be in place from 2pm today (Wednesday 4 November) until midnight on Saturday 7 November.
Maps have been published on local police social media.
National Stress Awareness Day falls on the first Wednesday in November each year.Some stress is good for us. It helps us to respond to changes in life. However, too much stress causes harm to our health and relationships. This year has been highly stressful for most of us.
However, you’re not alone with your mental health.
The Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services to support people experiencing anxiety and other common mental health concerns.
Under the banner ‘Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health’ NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are able to signpost to a range of self-help guides and options for further support.
Information is available for a range of day to day concerns such as stress and anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.
Users are able to choose strategies for immediate support, using tried and tested self-care options, or where appropriate, may be guided to other means of support such as telephone helplines.
NHS 24 offers a range of mental health services in addition to the NHS inform self-help guides, including the 111 Mental Health Hub, and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.
A new 24/7 Mental Health Hub provides support for those contacting the 111 service. In addition, people calling Police Scotland in mental health distress are also now offered access to the 111 Mental Health Hub service.
Collaboration work with the Scottish Ambulance Service is also underway to develop a similar pathway.
