Continued:


The new criminal mind has identified the internet as an easy and unidentifiable means of fleecing the unwary, and the setting up of bogus new "nationalist" groups and organisations with accompanying attractive and informative web sites, the 'bait' to attract the well-intentioned patriot, in particular those living abroad in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and anywhere else that Scots or those of Scottish ancestry choose to live.  The modus operandi employed by these new opportunists is quite simple, they will use their attractive web site to elicit funding from eager and patriotic people who will be assured that their donations will be used to further the cause of Scottish independence or other pro-nationalist ideological strategies. In fact nothing could be further from the truth, most of these operatives have little or no knowledge of Scottish nationalism nor the first idea of what could or should be done with funding except to place it firmly in their own pockets. The creation of an attractive web site is relatively simple to those with any knowledge of computers, the political content can simply be "adapted" from other genuine web sites and the wording changed slightly in order that it appears to be original, add to this some Scottish graphics and you are in business, ready to make that "appeal" to the unwary to "help" their country gain independence by donating money or anything else that can be exchanged for same.

Watchdog Scotland has been set up by a small group of concerned Scottish nationalists who have grave reservations about this new form of fraud; these swindlers should not be permitted to use their bogus appeals to solicit money from people with a genuine concern for Scotland. The Scottish National Party (SNP) is the political party that used to represent the aspirations of Scottish nationalists and was the only organisation that should be supported financially by those interested in the advancement of Scottish Independence. There are of course other pro-Scottish nationalist groups and organisations in existence, they normally never at any time solicit funding from anyone.  From our own investigations and enquiries, the majority do not indulge in this kind of behaviour and are quick to condemn this practice whenever it is discovered.

Watchdog Scotland would strongly advise any well intentioned patriot to desist from donating money or any other assistance to Scottish groups who indulge in making unlawful appeals for financial aid. The groups that practice this despicable trade are running the risk of damaging the good reputation of the Scottish National Party and of Scottish nationalists generally, we DO NOT support any such appeals from any group or organisation that purports to "assist" the cause of independence - with the current exception of the Campaign For Scottish Independence, which has been vouchsafed to us by people whose judgement we trust.  Please help us to eradicate this odious criminal practice and restore the fine reputation of Scotland and of Scottish nationalism by REFUSING to participate in any other bogus appeals for funding.  Please take note of the following guidelines that may assist you in recognising the web sites of these types of criminals:
1. There are no groups or organisations that are sanctioned by the SNP to collect funding on their behalf.
2. Any web site which solicits funding should show a registered charity number that can be verified by contacting The Inland Revenue - see the Links Page for information.
3. All organisations making appeals for financial donations are answerable to H.M. Inspectorate of Taxes, the D.H.S. and other bodies, and should include a list of Office Bearer's names, i.e.  Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer, the addresses and contact telephone numbers of the aforementioned and an audited account of their expenditure. This information should be readily identified on their web sites, if not then e-mail them and request the information.  Watchdog Scotland would be grateful for copies of all correspondence linked to web sites asking for donations.