Consumers have been urged to be on the lookout for new cost of living scams in Scotland as national ScamWatch Fortnight gets underway. This year’s ‘Read Between the Li(n)es’ campaign highlights the importance of remaining vigilant as fraudsters are using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot on behalf of the Scottish Government, reports that it continues to see new tactics deployed as criminals try to manipulate struggling households. Gas and electricity bills are set to soar from October and so far, reported scams include fake discounts on prepayment meters and bogus offers of energy refunds or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) rebates, which could leave potential victims even more disadvantaged.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said Scottish ScamWatch Fortnight is an “important campaign helping people to read between the lines when they are contacted unexpectedly by someone over the phone, by email or at their front door”.
Consumers are also being warned about investment scams being promoted on social media platforms such as cryptocurrency deals, which often feature a celebrity who knows absolutely nothing about the offer and has no involvement with the bogus deal.
Alongside this are bank telephone scams and romance frauds, designed to steal money.
Scots are also being encouraged to be aware of traditional doorstep scams by bogus callers posing as tradespeople.
The Scottish ScamWatch Fortnight, which runs on social media platforms until August 28, will look at scam methods and offer free advice on the ways in which consumers can reduce exposure to scammers.
Anyone who wants to report a scam should fill in the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at www.scamwatch.scot, which collects intelligence to share with various authorities.
Top tips to avoid being duped by scammers
If you have been contacted by someone and you are concerned they may be trying to scam you, there are key points to remember.
These include:
- Don’t send anyone you do not know any money or buy anything from them without checking them out first - you should always do your homework before agreeing to anything such as reading online reviews about the company or seller
- Don’t share any personal information, bank details, passwords or PIN numbers - if you have given out this type of information, you should change all passwords and pins and notify your bank immediately
- Don’t download any attachments or files in emails or click on any links - if you have, then you should check that your device security is up to date and run a virus scan
- Don’t call any numbers you’ve received in an email or letter, especially if it’s a premium rate number - if you are unsure about the cost of dialling a particular number, contact your service provider for advice
- Don’t let doorsetppers them into your house - if you are concerned about someone that you have allowed into your house who has refused to leave or someone knocking on doors in your area, call the police via 101
The ScamWatch campaign will provide tips on how to spot and avoid common scams, such as checking the legitimacy of investment opportunities, and the importance of using approved and trusted traders.
Free, impartial and practical advice is available to anyone in Scotland through Advice Direct Scotland’s consumeradvice.scot service.
Commenting on the new initiative, Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, said: “Scottish ScamWatch Fortnight is an important campaign helping people to read between the lines when they are contacted unexpectedly by someone over the phone, by email or at their front door.
“Ultimately scammers are criminals taking advantage of people of all ages and backgrounds. They are increasingly using a multitude of different ways to target people who need to be on their guard.”
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With scammers using a mixture of methods to target Scots consumers, it has never been more important for us to be aware of how to avoid them.
“We have seen scammers adapt their tactics in line with major world events, including the Covid-19 pandemic and crisis in Ukraine.
“New scams including fake energy rebates are being recorded as scammers try to exploit the challenging circumstances facing many families across Scotland.
“Throughout the campaign, we are highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and pausing before interacting with emails, text messages or social media adverts.”
He added: “The most effective way to stop scammers in their tracks is to report a scam to scamwatch.scot when you see one.
“It’s important to remember there is no shame in being scammed, and consumers who are concerned or need help should contact one of our specialist consumer advisers for free, impartial and practical advice.”
Consumers can seek help in a number of different ways: freephone 0808 164 6000; and online, web chat and email at www.consumeradvice.scot.
The simple ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool is available to report suspected scams and suspicious activity at www.scamwatch.scot. You can also contact Police Scotland on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.
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