Cyber and Fraud Hub launches new partnerships to support victims across Scotland
The Cyber and Fraud Hub is proud to announce the launch of our new partnerships with eight esteemed organisations across Scotland. Building upon existing partnerships with the UK Banking industry and Police Scotland, these collaborations represent a unified effort to combat cyber crime and fraud, while also strengthening support systems for those affected.
Each partner brings unique expertise, resources, and networks, enhancing the Hub’s ability to protect individuals from the ever-evolving challenges of cyber threats and fraud.
Our New Partners
Age Scotland
Age Scotland is the Scottish charity for older people. They work to improve the lives of people over the age of 50 in Scotland. Age Scotland provide a free helpline, support older people’s groups, promote age and dementia friendly communities, deliver health and wellbeing programmes, and campaign on behalf of older people.
Ask Silver
Ask Silver is a free Scam Checker that anyone can use at ask-silver.com. Simply take a screenshot of anything you want to check, be it an email, a text message or even a letter, and send it using WhatsApp.
Police Scotland
Police Scotland’s purpose is to improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places, and communities in Scotland, focusing on Keeping People Safe in line with their values of integrity, fairness, and respect and with human rights at the heart of everything they do.
Victims of cybercrime or fraud can report incidents by calling Police Scotland on 101 (Non-emergency line).
Samaritans Scotland
With nearly 1,000 volunteers and 19 branches, stretching from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands and Islands, Samaritans Scotland work with communities across the country to support suicide prevention locally and promote mental and emotional wellbeing.
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.
Trading Standards Scotland
Trading Standards Scotland is delivered by COSLA and funded by UK Government to add capacity to local authority trading standards services in Scotland.
Their vision is to create an environment where consumers can safely make choices, and their mission is to change the behaviours of businesses and individuals who damage consumer and business interests.
Their outcomes are to empower consumers, tackle detriment and prevent harm, and support the economy.
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Take Five to Stop Fraud is a national campaign that offers straightforward and impartial advice to help protect from financial fraud. This includes email deception and phone-based scams as well as online fraud – particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations.
Led by UK Finance, the campaign is delivered with and through a range of partners in the UK payments industry, financial services firms, law enforcement agencies, telecommunication providers, commercial, public and third sector organisations.
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland is the foremost charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime throughout Scotland. VSS offers free, independent and confidential support for victims, witnesses and their families.
Young Scot
Young Scot is the youth engagement platform for 11 to 26-year-olds in Scotland. For over 40 years, Young Scot has provided young people with information, ideas and opportunities to help them make informed decisions and choices. Young Scot proudly holds the European Youth Information Quality Label, recognising the processes we follow when creating and sharing information for young people across the digital platforms they spend their time in, including young.scot, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Looking Ahead
Launching these partnerships marks an exciting phase for the Cyber and Fraud Hub. By working together, we are addressing not only the technical aspects of fraud and cybercrime but also the human and emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities.
The Cyber and Fraud Hub’s partnerships underscore a unified commitment to enhancing fraud prevention education, equipping the public with practical tools, and addressing the diverse impacts of cyber crime. Together, these collaborations expand the Hub’s reach across communities, ensuring tailored support for vulnerable groups, effective awareness campaigns, and accessible resources for those affected, while enhancing resilience against evolving threats.
Stay tuned for updates on further partnerships, upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved. Together, we can build a safer, more secure future for Scotland in the fight against cybercrime and fraud.