CONSUMERS have been urged to be aware of new scams on the rise as national ScamWatch week gets underway.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot on behalf of the Scottish Government, says it is seeing a steady rise in reported scams as the Covid pandemic eases.
This year’s campaign will highlight the misconception that only older and more vulnerable people are caught out, with scammers increasingly using emails and texts to prey on people of all ages.
Some of the most common scams include fake parcel delivery texts, scammers claiming to be from HMRC, and investment scams such as cryptocurrency offers.
More traditional doorstep scams are happening alongside this, with bogus callers pretending to be tradespeople, charity collectors or energy meter readers.
The Scottish ScamWatch Week campaign, which will run on social media platforms throughout the week, will offer free advice on the ways in which consumers can reduce exposure to scammers and avoid being caught out.
Advice includes not sending money or buying anything from someone you may be concerned is scamming you – instead, “do your homework” before agreeing to anything, such as checking online reviews.
It also suggests not giving personal information, bank details, passwords or PIN numbers to someone you suspect, and to change all passwords, PINs and notify your bank if this type of information has been given out.
Consumers are also warned not to download any attachments or files or click on any links in suspicious emails, or ring any numbers received in such an email or letter – especially if it’s a premium rate number.
The ScamWatch campaign will also provide tips on being cyber-aware, such as ensuring devices and software are kept up-to-date, adequate password protections are in place, and important data is backed up.
Additionally, it will offer advice on tools such as call blockers to stop unwanted phone calls.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur MSP said: “Scammers are criminals who are often callous in their tactics to defraud people, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances. Unfortunately, many have thrived amid the uncertainty created by the pandemic, with fraud reaching record levels.
“We must ensure that people in Scotland can readily access effective support to meet their needs.”
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, added: “With information more readily available, and methods of contact more accessible, scammers are increasingly targeting Scots consumers.
“The more vulnerable members of our communities are often the preferred targets of scammers because of the belief that they will be easier to deceive, but the reality is that anyone can be caught out. Due to an increase in the volume of scam emails, text messages, and telephone calls, cyber-scams are on the rise in particular.
Free, impartial and practical advice is available to anyone in Scotland through Advice Direct Scotland.
Consumers can seek help in a number of different ways – by freephone on 0808 164 6000; and online, webchat and email at www.consumeradvice.scot
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