We would like to raise awareness of Gift Card scams.
Typically, the victim receives a call, text or email demanding an urgent payment by purchasing gift cards/vouchers from reputable organisations or high street retailers.
Fraudsters may claim to represent organisations or employers.
Following the purchase, the victim is asked to provide the gift card code to the fraudster who then either sells the codes on, or purchases high-value products, at the expense of the victim.
The fraudster does not require to have physical control over the card/voucher.
Employees may also receive urgent emails purporting to be from management asking them to purchase gift cards on their behalf.
A legitimate employer will not ask you to handle company business through gift card purchases.
• No reputable organisation would ask for payment of a bill or debt using vouchers or gift cards.
• Never reveal the codes on vouchers or gift cards you have purchased apart from entering them on official websites as full or part payment for goods or services.
• Take a moment to think if the offer sounds too good to be true.
• Be wary of any texts or emails you receive, even if it appears to come from an organisation you know and trust.
• Don’t follow links in text messages or phone any numbers provided within the message.
Detectives are continuing enquiries a week on from a man suffering serious injuries after he was assaulted in Edinburgh.
The 32-year-old was attacked by an unidentified man using a bladed weapon outside a Tesco supermarket on Gracemount Drive around 8pm on Thursday, 11 November.
He was later taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.
An investigation is ongoing and officers will carry out a visit to the scene of the attack this evening (Thursday, 18 November) to speak to anyone who may have been in the area the previous week.
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “We are grateful to everyone who has helped our investigation so far but this was a busy area near a supermarket and we feel there may be other witnesses we have not spoken to yet.
“The male suspect left the scene after running off down Gracemount Drive before entering a dark hatchback car on Captain’s Drive and driving away.
“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in and around Tesco Express Gracemount Drive at the time of the attack or drivers who were on Captains Road, Gracemount Drive and Captains Drive between 7.50pm and 8.10pm on Thursday, 11 November.
“We remain keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas as it could prove vital to our enquiries.
“I would stress that everything in our enquiries so far suggest that this was a targeted attack and there was no wider risk to the public. However, it was a dangerous and reckless act in a busy public area and it is important we identify the man responsible.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may be able to assist them in relation to an ongoing investigation into an incident which occurred on Annandale Street, near Broughton Street, at around 4pm on Friday 14 May, 2021.
The man officers wish to speak to is described as white, aged 17-20 years of age and of medium build with short brown hair. He was wearing a yellow high vis jacket, black cargo trousers and work boots.
Detective Constable Mhairi Macpherson said: “Our enquiries have been ongoing since this incident occurred and as part of our investigation, we are releasing CCTV images of a man we believe could assist us.
“I’d ask the person himself or anyone who recognises him and who can help us identify him, to contact officers.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2162 of Saturday, 15 May, 2021. An anonymous report can also be made to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Sextortion is a type of cyber extortion. It involves the threat of having sexual information, images or clips shared.
This is done to get money from you. It doesn’t always matter if the images actually exist or not.
The extortion often takes place when a victim is asked to take off their clothes in front of a webcam. They can also be asked to perform sexual acts.
The victim believes this to be a private act but it is not. The victim doesn’t know that they are being recorded.
The offender will then threaten the victim. They may demand money. They may threaten to share the images or videos on social media or share publicly.
What can you do to reduce the likelihood of it happening?
Here are some tips:
Be sensible when using the internet. Only activate your camera when you want to. Make sure it is ‘off’ at all times when not required. Never allow yourself to be duped into activity that you will later regret.
If using video chat apps, be alert to the fact that ‘contacts’ are not always who they say they are. If you allow a relationship to develop be guarded if unusual requests are made of you.
If you use online chat rooms looking for a person to chat with be careful. Be careful about any getting into a relationship and if you are asked to move to a different chat platform.
Some online chat rooms have a visual contact facility. If you are looking for a person to chat with and get into a relationship be guarded on what you say and do.
Relationships are quick to develop. End any that you are not comfortable with. Stay in control of what you do.
You may make mistakes, have doubts or need support or advice. If so, contact the police or a support agency immediately.
Remember, what goes on the internet stays on the internet, forever.
What to do if you’re a victim of sextortion
Here are a few points to follow if you are a victim.
Do not panic. The police will take your case seriously. They will deal with it in confidence. You will not be judged.
Do not pay. Some victims who have paid hear no more about it, others pay and are asked for more money. In some cases, even when money is paid the offenders posts the videos or images anyway
Do not talk any further to the offenders. Take screen shots of any communication. Keep it as evidence.
Make a note of all details provided by the offenders. For example; the Skype name (particularly the Skype ID), the Facebook URL; the Western Union or MoneyGram Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN); any photos/videos that were sent, etc.
Deactivate your social media account. Report the matter to the platform to have any video blocked. Set up an alert in case the video resurfaces. Deactivating the Facebook account rather than shutting it down will mean data is kept. This helps the police to gather evidence. The account can also be reactivated at any time. This means your online memories are not lost forever.
Report the matter to the police and your online service provider.
Be aware that the scammer’s Skype name is different to their Skype ID. It’s the ID details that police will need. To get that, right click on their profile, select ‘View Profile’.
Then look for the name shown in blue rather than the one above it in black. It’ll be next to the word ’Skype’ and will have no spaces in it.
Remember that you’re the victim of organised criminals. You’re not alone and confidential support is available. You can get through this.
Advice for parents and carers
Parents looking for more advice on keeping children safe chatting online will find plenty of information. They’ll find it from the National Crime Agency at the following websites:
Dress for the weather by wearing reflective or bright-coloured clothing so other road users can see you when it’s dark or visibility is poor
If you are walking home late at night, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when
Vehicles can take up to ten times longer to stop on slippery road surfaces so take extra care crossing the road
Stick to pedestrian crossings
If there are no crossings nearby, find a place with a clear view and wait for long gaps in the traffic before crossing the road
Don’t cross the road between parked vehicles, unless it can’t be avoided then take extra care (look out for vehicles that suddenly pull out or reverse)
Never cross the road behind a bus
If there is no pavement, keep to the right hand side of the road so you can see traffic coming towards you.
Advice for cyclists
Advice to consider if you are cycling during winter:
Make sure your bike can be seen by people on the road
Use a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back)
Wear clothes that help you be seen on your bike, such as bright and light reflective items
Pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights
Do not cycle on the pavements, they may be slippery and can also endanger pedestrians
Be mindful of the effects poor weather can have on other road users
Make sure you know about the dangers around you
Cars can take twice as long to stop in wet weather
Braking can be unpredictable in ice and snow.
Advice for drivers
Advice for drivers during winter:
Make sure your car is ready for winter
Check that your tyres, brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and windows are free from defects and clean
Drive to the road conditions. Road conditions can change without warning, stopping distances will be affected by the weather
Make sure your windows are clean and aren’t misted up
Make sure there is no snow and ice on your windows before you drive
When the roads are icy, drive at a slow speed in a high gear
Accelerate and brake very gently
Driving distracted (for example, using a Sat Nav) can cause additional stress. It is dangerous to yourself, passengers and other road users.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was attacked in the Gracemount Drive area. The incident took place around 8pm on Thursday (11 November).
The victim – a 32-year-old man – was seriously assaulted by a man outside Tesco, before making his way into the shop for assistance. He later attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The suspect man was seen to break the window of a car in Tesco’s car park before running from the area and entering a dark hatchback vehicle on Captain’s Drive and driving away.
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.
“It took place in public outside a busy shop, with numerous members of the public present, so we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas last night, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
Police in Edinburgh are continuing enquiries and appealing for information following an incident in Fishwives Causeway on Thursday (11 November).
Around 11.30 pm, a 30-year-old woman was walking along Fishwives Causeway when a man approached her from behind, took hold of her arm and tried to pull her along the pathway.
A passing cyclist intervened and the suspect ran off.
The suspect is described as white, in his 20’s, around 5ft 8, blue or grey eyes and crooked teeth. He was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.
Detective Constable Neil Donaldson at Fettes Police Office in Edinburgh said: “This would have been a frightening and traumatic experience for the victim.
“Whilst this appears to be a rare and isolated incident we would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Fishwives Causeway around 11.30 pm on Thursday, 11 November 2021 and who may have seen a man fitting the above description”.
Anyone with information should contact police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 3903 of 11 November 2021. Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.
Scotland has committed to honour the rights of children in the fight against the climate crisis, by signing the UNICEF declaration on children, youth and climate action.
The declaration, which was drafted by children and young people, calls on signatories to uphold the priorities of children and youth throughout the world in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Signatories commit to advocating for children’s inalienable right to a healthy environment and to enhancing the meaningful participation of children and young people in climate change discussion and action.
Scotland recently hosted the UN Conference of Youth ahead of COP26 and has invested almost £1 million in a programme to engage young people in the climate conference and legacy activity.
The First Minister formally signed the declaration during COP26, and the launch event is being attended by the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Green Skills Lorna Slater. Scotland becomes the 28th country to have signed up so far.
The First Minister said: “Children and young people are driving climate action and it is vital that we listen to their views and harness their passion at COP26 and beyond.
“The global climate crisis is a children’s rights crisis. So we must make sure that the rights of children and young people are promoted and protected as we tackle it. To do this, we have to give young people a place at the table and a role in decision-making, so they have a real voice in how we respond to a threat that will shape their lives.
“I am proud that Scotland is joining nations across the world in signing this declaration, and committing to listening to and respecting the needs and wishes of young people as we work to deliver the goals of the Paris climate agreement.
“Signing the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action is an important step all governments can take to formally recognise a child’s right to a healthy environment.
“Here in Scotland we are determined to deliver the highest protection possible for children’s rights, which is why we remain committed to becoming the first devolved nation in the world to directly incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into domestic law, to the maximum extent possible.”
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie last night thanked the people of Glasgow for enabling Police Scotland to deliver a safe and secure COP26.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Today we continued to support the visit of puppet Little Amal to Glasgow, and facilitated a number of protests.
“I hope this spirit continues right through the conference closure as, over the past few weeks, we have sought to provide a proportionate policing response to any potential protests, balancing the needs and rights of those wishing to demonstrate or protest against the needs of the wider community.
“The wider community really means the people of Glasgow whose patience and understanding, while managing significant disruption to their daily routines, have been a key part of enabling us to deliver a safe and secure global event.
“So I would like to thank them for being so welcoming to our visitors and for being so accommodating of the large police presence and security measures – the people of the city have made this such a positive experience for those of us who have been working day and night, some of us away from home and families, on what is the largest policing operation seen in the UK for many years.
“Our stated commitment was always that the people and communities of Scotland would still receive the same high standard of service that they are accustomed to for the duration of the conference. With this in mind, we established dedicated local policing teams to ensure that local areas had the resources they require to address local community concerns throughout COP26.
“It is important to us that we understand what the experience of COP26 has been for people in Glasgow and Scotland. For this reason, we want to hear from those who have attended or experienced our policing of these events in Scotland recently.
Detectives investigating a break-in at The Gyle Centre in Edinburgh, that took place around 2.50am on Wednesday, 10 November, are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of another vehicle involved.
The two suspects tried to force entry to a shop using a silver Suzuki Celerio. That car was left at the scene and the two men made off in a silver Audi A5 or S5 model.
Both men involved are described as being of slim build and wearing dark clothing with a hood up and face covered.
Detective Inspector George Calder said: “Our investigation is progressing and we believe that the car may be a silver Audi S5, five-door model that was reported stolen from the Drylaw area of Edinbugh around 8pm on Friday, 5 November.
“We are carrying out enquiries to trace the movements of this car since it was stolen, and indeed where the car is at the present time. The information we receive from the public is vital in assisting our investigation and we would appreciate any information you hold.
“If you have seen a car matching this description since last Friday, or know where it may be parked then please contact us.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage which could help our investigation.”
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 0246 of 10 November, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detectives are appealing for information after a break-in at the Gyle Centre.
A car was used to force entry to main area of the shopping centre around 2.50am this morning (Wednesday 10 November) before an attempt was made to access a business within.
This attempt was unsuccessful and the two men involved then left in a second vehicle.
The first car – a silver Suzuki Celerio – was left in place. Enquiries have established the vehicle had been stolen from the Stevenson Road area on Tuesday evening. The second vehicle is described as a silver saloon type car.
Both men involved are described as being of slim build and wearing dark clothing with a hood up and face covered.
Detective Inspector George Calder said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may be able to help to get in touch.
“We would be keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help us establish the movements of the two vehicles involved or identify the two men seen at the Gyle Centre.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage which could help our investigation.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 0246 of 10 November, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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