Online scammers are putting finishing touches to scams set to target millions of Scots, according to a new report from police, banks and security organisations.
Holidays, tickets for major sporting and music events, and unsolicited emails are three prime targets for fraudsters, according to Police Scotland, the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) and Royal Bank of Scotland.
The organisations have put their names to a new guide providing practical advice to ensure Scots are not burned by the latest swindles to hit the market.
Online fraud and scams in Scotland have increased 69% since 2011/12 according to the latest Recorded Crime in Scotland Survey . In response, the Little Book of Big Scams warns about 19 types of scams to look out for, alongside practical guidance on how to spot them, and what to do should you fall victim to one.
The top three areas are:
- Holiday fraud – online scammers are exploiting this summer’s pressures on the travel industry, coupled with a desire for Scots seeking a sunshine break.
- Ticketing fraud – with sports and music events back in the diary, people need to mindful where to buy their tickets, so they are not left empty handed.
- Scam mail – individuals can be enticed via post or emails by the thrill of an unbelievable offer or competition, typically targeting the elderly or vulnerable.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, from Police Scotland, said: “New scams are constantly emerging, so it is no wonder that we see businesses and individuals fall into a trap.
“The impact can be emotional as well as financial, so I urge everyone to download and share the guide with family and friends, so they know what to do and who to call on if they become a victim of fraud this summer.”
Jude McCorry, chief executive of the SBRC, commented: “The travel and tourism sectors are still recovering from the pandemic, evidenced by what we have seen recently with delays and cancellations due to staffing issues.
“Scammers seek to take advantage of would-be travellers who have been left high and dry and are seeking fast solutions.”
Judith Cruickshank, regional managing director at RBS, added: “The research showed that scams are becoming much more prevalent, but many of us think we are savvy when it comes to online fraud, but scammers are using increasingly sophisticated measures to trick unsuspecting people.”
Anyone who thinks that they have fallen victim to a scam should contact their bank immediately on an official phone number, such as the one on a bank statement or bank/credit card.
The guide also covers online and cash point fraud, door-to-door scams, and romance/dating fraud. To report a crime in Scotland, people are advised to call 101.
Earlier this year, the SBRC and RBS formalised a partnership whereby the bank offers access to SBRC-delivered cyber security workshops for its corporate and commercial customers following a marked increase in cyber related incidents as detailed by the National Cyber Security Centre.
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