The Scottish public has been warned to keep an eye out for new cost-of-living scams as national campaign ScamWatch Fortnight 2022 gets underway.

‘Read Between the Li(n)es’ is a campaign looking to highlight the importance of remaining vigilant as fraudsters are increasingly using emails, texts, and social media to target users of all ages.

With the current rise in energy bills high on the news agenda, reported cost-of-living scams include fake discounts on prepayment meters and bogus offers of energy or HMRC rebates, which leave potential victims even more disadvantaged.

Consumers are also being warned about investment scams such as cryptocurrency deals, often featuring sham celebrity or expert endorsements, circulated on social media.

Alongside this and the cost-of-living scams are bank telephone cons and romance frauds, designed to steal money.

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”.

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.

Scottish ScamWatch Fortnight has provided advice to people who may be concerned they are trying to be scammed:

• Don’t send them any money or buy anything; you should always do your homework before agreeing to anything such as checking online reviews of the company.
• Don’t give them 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.
• 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 ring 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 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.

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.

Swinney added: “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. I encourage people to take time over the next two weeks and read about how they can reduce exposure to scammers.

“Free and impartial advice is also available throughout the year through Advice Direct Scotland online and over the phone.”

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Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot on behalf of the Scottish Government, said it continued to see new tactics deployed as criminals try to manipulate struggling households.

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.”

Mathieson continued: “Throughout the campaign, we are highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and pausing before interacting with emails, text messages or social media adverts.

“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,” he added.

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