An urgent warning has been issued after police were flooded with more than a thousand reports within the space of 24 hours about fake penalty emails.
Here's what you need to know about them - and how to stay safe online.
What is the latest scam?
Action Fraud UK issued the alert after thousands got in touch with the organisation earlier this month.
The fake penalty email scam contains links in the emails which lead to websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial details.
What have Action Fraud said?
In a statement on Facebook, Action Fraud said: "[We] have received more than 1,400 reports about fake emails purporting to be from HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
"The emails state that the recipient has been issued with a penalty charge for 'the use of a vehicle on a road in the charging area which a charging scheme applies without payment of the appropriate charge'.
"The links provided in the emails leak to genuine-looking phishing websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information."
Members of the public have been reminded that their bank, or any other official organisation, won't ask to share personal information over email of text.
Those who need to check if it is a genuine message should call them directly.
What should people do if they recieve a fake email?
Those who receive one should report it to: Report@phishing.gov.uk.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article