If it sounds too good to be true

SHETLAND Islands Council has renewed its advice to islanders to be on their guard when being called out of the blue, or receiving unsolicited e-mails.

The council’s trading standards office said that the Get Safe Online Week, which started on Monday, was the ideal opportunity to pass on online safety tips to friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.

Team leader David Marsh said: “People in Shetland were shocked to hear the recent reports of people having thousands of pounds taken from their accounts after they responded to scam phone calls claiming to be from bank staff, and I’m sure we will now all be more vigilant about that particular kind of approach.

“There are, however, many other ways in which unscrupulous people may attempt to get hold of our personal details in order to get their hands on our money. 

“Some of these scammers are very clever, and use sophisticated techniques to try to draw us in to their traps – but the best advice is quite simple and straightforward. 

“Always question why someone has contacted you; don’t be afraid to put the phone down, and never give out your personal details to anyone who calls you out of the blue – and encourage your family, friends and neighbours to take the same approach.

“And remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”