Scams are becoming increasingly common, with scammers constantly finding new ways to trick consumers into parting with their money. Advice Direct Scotland’s Scamwatch app has seen a 50% increase in scams reported over the last year. Types of ticketing scams Ticketing scams involve scammers using a range of methods to get money for non-existent tickets …
The Emergency Alerts Service will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phones if their lives are at risk in an emergency and will be tested across the UK on Sunday of this week. In a real emergency, this will send a direct message to mobile phones when there is a risk to life, …
There are an increasing number of emails being sent to consumers, requesting entry to prize draws, or falsely claiming they have won prizes, including gift vouchers or products. It is always best to remember that if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. Giveaway Signs of a Scam These emails can …
We’ve all seen social media adverts popping up on our social feeds, offering double glazing discounts and budget boilers in our local area. The spooky part is when they pop up after we’ve just been searching online for home improvement-related things (or even when we’ve been talking about it with someone within earshot of our …
In recent years, phrases like “Bitcoin”, “Cryptocurrency”, and “Etherium” have entered into the conversation through our TVs, on social media channels, and online with increased frequency. For many of us, understanding the workings of cryptocurrency and crypto-assets is taking some getting used to, with new forms of the digital currency entering the mix regularly. What …
Crypto Scammers: Avoiding the Investment Catfish Read More »
Romance scams are a form of confidence trick where the scammer shows romantic intentions towards their target, gaining their affection, and using that goodwill to obtain personal information or money under false and fraudulent pretenses. Romance scams are among the more insidious types of scams out there, playing on the emotions of the person being …
Romance Scams: Avoiding the Catfish and Protecting Ourselves Read More »
The way we interact with retailers and other traders has changed considerably over the course of the last few years. With many of us turning to online shopping out of necessity during the pandemic, and continuing to do so now, many high street retailers have reduced the number of physical stores they have as a …
Christmas Shopping Online: Avoiding Payment Pitfalls and Knowing Our Rights Read More »
The UK Government has announced details on how households will receive £400 to help with rising energy bills this autumn. There will be a discount of £66 applied to bills in October and November, and £67 a month from December to March 2023. All households are eligible for the full £400, regardless of income. How the …
In the summer months, we may find ourselves faced with an increasing number of doorstep callers, often visiting out-of-the-blue, offering to complete work on our homes. Whilst many legitimate companies and tradesmen may visit us to offer their services, you are right to be wary of being scammed by rogue traders. Doorstep scammers go door-to-door, …
CLICK HERE to Link to Scottish Sun article (16.08.22) Scottish consumers are being approached by scammers, claiming to be from organisations offering help with various aspects of the cost-of-living crisis. With many Scots already struggling and seeking financial support, there is a greater risk of people falling-foul of scammers when we are distracted by …
How to avoid the cost of living cons hitting hard-working Scots Read More »
