Campaign

As online financial criminal activity becomes increasingly sophisticated, CyberScotland Partnership is urging individuals, businesses, and organisations across Scotland to stay vigilant. This quarter’s campaign, Secure Finance, highlights the growing threat of cyber criminals targeting your money – from fake cryptocurrency investments to copycat websites and SIM-swapping attacks. 

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit trust, steal personal data and access funds. By recognising these threats and adopting simple protective measures, we can all contribute to a safer and more resilient digital Scotland. 

Protect your money. Stop. Check. Then click. 

Over the next three months, we’ll be sharing valuable insights and practical advice to help protect against online financial threats. Get involved by sharing our campaign using the hashtag #StaySecureOnline and help spread awareness across your sector and community 

Protecting yourself online 

Investment crypto crime: if it sounds too good to be true, it is 

Criminals promise big crypto gains but often leave victims with nothing. Fake websites, testimonials and “limited-time offers” are designed to pressure quick decisions. Before investing, thoroughly research any opportunity and check that it is authorised by financial regulators.   

Business email compromise: think before you click 

One dodgy email, one click, one costly mistake. Cybercriminals impersonate senior executives or trusted suppliers to trick employees into making payments. Always double-check email requests and confirm payment details through a trusted source. 

Remote access crime  

A text can be a trap. Cybercriminals send fake messages to trick people into clicking malicious links or granting access to their devices. Never click suspicious links or allow unknown access – stop and think before you act. 

Copycat websites; looks real, but isn’t 

Criminals create convincing fake websites that mimic trusted organisations to steal your details or money. Always check web addresses carefully and avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. If in doubt, go directly to the official website. 

SIM-swapping – don’t lose control of your number 

Cybercriminals can take over your phone number to intercept calls, texts and security codes, giving them access to your accounts. Warning signs include losing signal unexpectedly or being locked out of accounts. If this happens, contact your mobile provider and bank immediately. Protect your personal information and enable extra security where possible. 

Stay alert and report suspicious activity 

If you suspect something is suspicious, report it to Police Scotland by calling 101 or seek advice from the National Cyber Security Centre. Acting quickly and sharing information helps prevent others from falling victim.  

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can all help create a safer online environment. Let’s work together to build a more cyber resilient Scotland. 

Stay alert. Stay secure online. 
#StaySecureOnline 

Additional Resources / For Further Reading:

The following websites include additional advice and links to other trusted resources where you can find out more: 

Police Scotland – internet safety 

Advice on a wide range of online threats including , sextortion, sim-swapping and general internet safety:  

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice/internet-safety/

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice/scams-and-frauds/sim-swapping

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)  

Guidance on staying secure online, including phishingand protecting your accounts: 

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home

Defending your organisation against business email compromise: 

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/business-email-compromise-defending-your-organisation

Trading Standards Scotland – more information on remote access cybercrime 

Advice on avoiding swindles involving fake calls, texts and remote access: 

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/remote-access-scams/

CIFAS – identity protection 

Protect yourself from identity fraud, including SIM-swapping risks:

https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr