Fraudsters are targeting Scots in a scam benefiting from the cyber attack that hit NHS systems.

The ransomware attack affected 11 Scottish health boards as well as NHS National Services and the Scottish Ambulance Service last Friday.

Now, scammers are trying to benefit from the fear of Scots by fooling them into upgrading their security or face being a victim of a similar attack.

The email claims to be from BT, stating the firm requires access to profiles as part of a security upgrade.

The scam adds the upgrade is needed in response to the NHS ransomware attack. Claiming to have been sent by a managing director at BT, the message asks the user to click into a link.

The message threatens to cut off access to their BT account if the link is not clicked but the reality is if the link is clicked then fraudsters could gain access to people's accounts.

Police Scotland have warned people not to open the latest cyber scam, with the message "don't fall for it".

A BT spokesman said: "BT takes the security of its customers' accounts very seriously. We proactively warn our customers to be on their guard against scams.

"Fraudsters use various methods to 'glean' your personal or financial details with the ultimate aim of stealing from you. This can include trying to use your BT bill and account number.

"Our advice is that customers should never share their BT account number with anyone and always shred bills. Be wary of calls or emails you're not expecting.

"Even if someone quotes your BT account number, you shouldn't trust them with your personal information."