Scots have been warned of potential scammers looking to exploit the Emergency Alert System test this weekend.
The UK Government has introduced the alarm system to help keep people safe during emergency events, such as severe floods and other extreme weather, fires, or industrial accidents. A test of the system will take place on Sunday, April 23, which will cause a siren to sound and send a notification to devices across the country.
However, people should be wary of requests from anyone claiming to be connected to the alerts system asking for remote access to mobile phones or other devices, Advice Direct Scotland has warned. The charity also said that people should watch out for fraudulent requests for personal or financial information received through text message, email, or by telephone, claiming to be related to test.
Lyndsay McFee, team lead at consumeradvice.scot, said: “For the activity on Sunday, April 23, you will receive a notification saying that there is a test taking place which will pop up on your screen and can be swiped away like any other alert.
“The system does not track your location, require your phone number to be entered, or collect any of your personal data.
“Scammers often reach out through text message, email, or by phone call to request what may seem like insignificant information. However, these tactics can be used to gather our data to use against us later.
“If you receive a request from someone claiming to be contacting you in relation to the alerts, you can report this using the Quick Reporting Tool at scamwatch.scot, or alternatively by contacting the team at consumeradvice.scot.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
