Don't let fraudsters steal your Christmas cheer. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information.

Phishing emails can be particularly prevalent during the Christmas season. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams…

Always check the sender's email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may have slight mis-spellings or extra characters

Be cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency, such as ‘Act Now’ or ‘Limited Time Offer.’ Scammers use these tactics to pressure you into making quick decisions

Instead of clicking on links in an email, go directly to the website by typing the URL into your browser. This helps ensure you are visiting the legitimate site

Many phishing emails contain spelling and grammar mistakes. Legitimate companies will have professional communication standards

Do not open attachments from unknown senders. These can contain malware that can infect your device

Ensure your computer has up-to-date antivirus software that can help detect and block phishing attempts

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can help protect against unauthorised access, even if your password is compromised

Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family to help them stay safe as well

By following these tips, you can better protect yourself from phishing scams this holiday season. 

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.