Scots have been warned about Ukraine donation scams attempting to exploit people trying to help the crisis.
More than two million people have been displaced by the conflict.
The displacement has been deemed the fastest-growing refugee crisis since WWII by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Scammers are seeking to prey on people trying to offer support during the Russia-Ukraine war in a number of ways.
Advice Direct Scotland, the national consumer advice service, has issued a warning about how to detect the scams.
These include donation scams, where attempts are made to lure people in with fake elaborate stories alongside requests for money.
The charity put together a list of tell-tale signs of a donation scam.
It also warned people to be wary of anyone requesting financial assistance for the burial of a loved one, or from people claiming to be "defending freedom".
Scots have been advised to be cautious if they receive a request from someone claiming to be stuck in Ukraine or who says they need help with repatriation or travel costs.
Advice Direct Scotland said scammers may also use this opportunity to set up 'spoof' websites that look like those of official registered charities and fundraising sites like GoFundMe.
It said anyone who is unsure about a fundraising page, or the charitable efforts of an individual, should consider donating to organisations already providing support in Ukraine like the British Red Cross, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, or another registered charity.
Financial and banking scams could also see people being asked to assist in 'moving money out of' Ukraine - but could result in them being charged or even becoming implicated in money-laundering activities.
Advice Direct Scotland said investment scams are also a potential risk, as fraudsters may claim to offer opportunities that have only become available due to the current situation.
It warned people that if opportunities sound unrealistic or too good to be true, then they probably are.
Other types of potential scams may be those using "deepfake" technology, which involves editing and manipulating video footage to spread false information on social media or on YouTube by making it appear the message is coming from an official source.
The charity encouraged people to fact-check for false information, and not to take videos and social media posts at face value.
It also said people should not be caught out by energy scams relating to recent price increases, which may see fraudsters offering reduced energy prices or short-term special deals to enter fixed-rate tariffs because of the current situation.
And Advice Direct Scotland said the situation in Ukraine could trigger a rise in romance scams, which work off the emotional connection that scammers build with their targets.
Advice Direct Scotland's list of 'tell-tale signs' of a donation scam
- Long, convoluted web or email addresses with characters that look out of place
- Unsecure websites that throw up security warnings by your browser or anti-virus software
- Spelling errors that genuine organisations and businesses are unlikely to have on their websites or marketing materials
- Blurry images, logos and branding can be a sign that materials have been copied
- For door-to-door charity collectors or those operating in public places, always request identification that shows they work for the charity
- Check charity registration numbers with the relevant charity regulators, such as The Scottish Charity Regulator, the Charity Commission Service in England, and The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
Advice Direct Scotland said people should avoid clicking on links in emails or text messages, and avoid pressing any buttons requested by unsolicited callers on the phone, and refrain from transferring money to people they do not know.
If someone has been scammed out of a large sum of money, they should contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101 or dial 999 if they feel threatened or at immediate risk.
The charity also said that anyone who has had money taken from their account, or who has provided personal financial information to a suspected scammer, should contact their bank.
Scottish consumers can report suspected scams and suspicious activity using the Quick Reporting Tool at Scamwatch.scot.
Alternatively, scams can be reported to specialist advisers through Consumeradvice.scot, or by calling 0808 164 6000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Scammers often use political and world events to take advantage of people and their good nature, and the current tragedy in Ukraine will be no different.
"We saw various scams perpetrated against Scottish consumers throughout the Covid pandemic through channels like social media, email, text messages, phone calls and even on the doorstep.
"And with the situation escalating in Ukraine - along with increased news coverage on the evacuation and humanitarian efforts - it is highly likely scammers will take advantage of this situation too.
"This may include unsolicited contact requesting monetary donations, and/or personal and banking information, which seeks to play on the emotions of people that want to help.
"We would advise people who want to help to consider donating to organisations that are already providing support in Ukraine, such as the DEC appeal, the British Red Cross or another registered charity.
"It is important to remain vigilant and report scams and suspicious activity to the correct authorities."
Regarding charity scams, a spokesperson for GoFundMe said: "GoFundMe has a team of Trust and Safety experts responsible for monitoring the platform around the clock. The team interacts with campaign organisers directly, vetting and verifying the intended use of funds.
"Our Trust & Safety team reviews each fundraiser to ensure it's compliant with international laws before a fundraiser can start collecting donations.
"This is underpinned by our GoFundMe guarantee. In the rare case that misuse occurs on the platform, anyone who has donated is protected, and can be fully refunded, with the GoFundMe Guarantee."
