First-year students in Scotland set to start Freshers' Week celebrations are being urged to be extra vigilant against becoming victims of cyber crime.

Students will receive their first loan and bursary instalments this month - making them instant targets for cyber criminals looking to ensnare them in identity theft and online scams.

As part of a drive to warn against the perils of online crime, e-Crime Scotland with the support of Get Safe Online and Student Loans Company is raising awareness of how students can protect themselves.

Gary Ritchie, of the Scottish Business Crime Centre, said that by taking a few simple steps students could protect themselves against the heartache and often serious consequences caused by cyber crime.

He said: "Identity theft is now one of the fastest growing crimes in the United Kingdom and is costs victims over £1.3billion annually.

"It's important to be cautious when using computers for online banking transactions, buying merchandise or storing personal information."