MORE people are increasingly being targeted in online scams, a top cop has said. 

Detective superintendent Gerry McBride has warned locals to take care when doing their banking, shopping, or even messaging over the internet. 

It comes on the day of the launch of a Financial Harm Awareness Campaign across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. 

DS McBride said: "The number of criminals operating online or by telephone has also increased, as have their methods of seeking to financially exploit people in a variety of new and convincing ways. 

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"We are committed to making all of our communities, including our online communities, as safe as possible which is why today I am pleased to launch our across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

Glasgow Times: DS McBride DS McBride

"The campaign will share with you knowledge of the type of scams and schemes which are being perpetrated, often with devastating impacts upon victims and their families. 

"It is hoped that by sharing this information with you we can increase our collective awareness and help people protect themselves with confidence from such schemes. 

"It is also hoped that this information can be used by all of us to help protect our families, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible fraud and be more alert to the ways we can help prevent this from happening.

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"We will continue to work tirelessly with key public and private sector partners to ensure that our focus is on protecting and safeguarding those at most risk of financial harm. 

"If you believe you or someone you know has been become a victim of a crime then please contact us via 101, or in an emergency 999." 

Visit www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe for support and advice.