How to check an officer's identity

If Police Scotland contacts you, they will do so in person, by phone or by email. This will depend on the circumstances surrounding why we need to contact you.

Contact in person

If one of our officers contacts you in person, they'll show you their police warrant card. This is proof of their identity and authority and you can verify this by dialling 101.

Contact by phone and Email

If one of our officers needs to speak to you on the phone or by email, they'll identify themselves clearly.

They will never: 
ask you for your bank details or PIN
ask you to transfer funds to another account
ask you to hand over cash or bank cards to a courier
ask you to pay a fine or a fee to them or a third party over the phone or online
ask you for  remote access to your computer, passwords or log on details over the phone or online
ask you to register personal details in an attachment they send or website they direct towards
ask you to 'assist' in an investigation by doing any of the above
communicate in an abusive, threatening or coercive manner
ask you to click on a hyperlink to participate in an investigation

Remember if you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity. You should also contact 101 if you think you've been a victim of fraud.

Follow the link below for a video with more information on identity fraud: https://vimeo.com/547456268



 

Fire Alarms In Scottish Homes Legislation

We are aware that residents of Dumfries & Galloway are again receiving a leaflet regarding the new smoke and heat alarm legislation. All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.  There are two types of alarms which comply with the new standard: Tamper proof long-life lithium battery alarms which can be bought and fitted by the householder themselves or   Mains-wired alarms which should be installed by a qualified electrician. Both types of alarms can be interlinked by radio frequency and do not need wi-fi. Further information can be found on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service leaflet which is attached or can be viewed at: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders/fire-and-smoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes.aspx https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/news-campaigns/news/2020/11/alarm-legislation-changes-and-information.aspx The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to offer free home fire safety visits and information on this can be viewed at: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders/home-fire-safety-visit.aspx Scottish Government https://www.gov.scot/publications/fire-and-smoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes/ Assistance Available If you are older or disabled, you may qualify for assistance from your local Care and Repair service. The Dumfries & Galloway Office can be contacted at: Huntingdon 27 Moffat Road Dumfries DG1 1NN T/01387 321310 Email: careandrepair@loreburn.org.uk To be eligible for support from Care & Repair, you must live and own your home with a Council Tax banding of A-C. You must also either be of state pension age and in receipt of guaranteed Pension Credit or have a disability and be in a support group for Employment and Support Allowance.    Attachments Fire Alarms in Scottish Homes.pdf - 149.8 KB

New Way To Avoid Financial Fraud - Stop - Hang Up - Call 159

Just launched this week there is a new way to avoid financial fraud.  A secure and easy-to-remember phone number to contact your bank on in order to avoid painful scams. This could prove to be the safest way for many to contact with your provider if you have suspicions and concerns about your accounts, or even if you are struggling to find a customer services number. Stop Scams UK and Global Cyber Alliance have launched the UK-wide 159 call service, which is designed to guarantee consumers a safe route to contacting their banks. The scheme is urging people to "stop, hang up and call 159" to check calls are for real. The idea is to help those who believe they have been contacted by scammers claiming to be their bank, or by fraudsters who encourage them to transfer money. Currently, banks that cover over 70% of UK current account customers are signed up to the scheme at launch, although more are expected to follow. Here's a table detailing the firms currently taking part :- Bank of Scotland Barclays Halifax Lloyds Bank NatWest Royal Bank of Scotland Santander Starling Bank Ulster Bank You can call 159 if you're a customer of most major telecoms firms The majority of telecoms firms are participating in the scheme, which enables you to call 159 from handsets and landlines if you're a customer. Here are the firms taking part :- BT (including EE and Plusnet) Gamma O2 (including Giffgaff) Sky TalkTalk Three Virgin Media When calling 159, you'll be taken through an option menu in which each bank that has signed up to the service is read aloud. Customers are then able to use their telephone keypad to be put through to their bank. You'll then be directed through to your bank's customer service department. Note that calling the service will cost the same as making a national rate call. For those who bank with firms not yet involved in the 159 pilot – you should continue to contact your bank by using the number on the back of your debit or credit card. When to call 159 Call 159 if they encounter the following: Someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank – even if they do not seem suspicious. You are contacted by someone claiming to be an authority figure (such as the police) and told to transfer money – even if the request seems genuine. You receive a call about a financial matter and it appears suspicious.

Guide To New Fire Alarm Standards - Scotland

The law on fire alarms is changing. By February 2022, all homes in Scotland will be required to have interlinked fire alarms, meaning if one alarm goes off, they all go off. This will alert you to danger more quickly, no matter where you are in your home. The new legislation requires all homes to have: One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings One heat alarm installed in the kitchen All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire (including open fires) and heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms. If you live in a one bedroom flat, you will need two smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector. A 3 bedroom, 2 storey house will need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector. There are two types of alarms available: Tamper proof long-life battery-operated alarms, which can last for up to 10 years, and can be fitted by the homeowner or a handyperson. Mains wired alarms, which should be installed by a qualified electrician. The homeowner is responsible for making sure their home meets the the new fire alarms standard, and for finding a contractor to carry out the work. When purchasing an alarm, choose a reputable brand and make sure the packaging clearly displays compliance with BS EN14604:2005 for smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should have the British Kitemark (EN 50291-1). Heat alarms should comply with BS 5446-2:2003. To find out more about the new legislation and the support available, visit: mygov.scot/firealarms