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Category: Scams

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Scams

I have been getting a lot of emails saying that I won prizes – mostly that I am due gift vouchers from supermarkets. These ask me to confirm my personal information by visiting a link so that they can send them to me, but I am not sure. What should I do?

Consumer Protection, Criminal, Scams / March 22, 2023

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 …

I have been getting a lot of emails saying that I won prizes – mostly that I am due gift vouchers from supermarkets. These ask me to confirm my personal information by visiting a link so that they can send them to me, but I am not sure. What should I do? Read More »

Online Scams – Spot the Fraud, Avoid the Cost

Avoid the Catfish, Consumer Protection, Consumer Spending, Scams / February 16, 2023

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 …

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Crypto Scammers: Avoiding the Investment Catfish

Avoid the Catfish, Consumer Protection, Scams / February 16, 2023

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 …

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Romance Scams: Avoiding the Catfish and Protecting Ourselves

Avoid the Catfish, Consumer Protection, Scams / February 10, 2023

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 »

Christmas Shopping Online: Avoiding Payment Pitfalls and Knowing Our Rights

Christmas / Seasonal, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Cost of Living, Counterfeit Goods, Scams / February 10, 2023

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 »

I have been getting a load of text messages and emails telling me to apply for the Government’s energy bill support payments – the £400 to help with energy costs. I thought this was happening automatically but wanted to double check in case I am wrong, as I am struggling. Can you help?

Consumer Protection, Cost of Living, Scams / September 16, 2022

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 …

I have been getting a load of text messages and emails telling me to apply for the Government’s energy bill support payments – the £400 to help with energy costs. I thought this was happening automatically but wanted to double check in case I am wrong, as I am struggling. Can you help? Read More »

I have had several workmen coming to my door recently, telling me that they are in the area offering services including gutter cleaning, garden maintenance, and roofing. I need work completed on my home but am wary of being scammed. Can you help?

Criminal, Scams / August 19, 2022

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, …

I have had several workmen coming to my door recently, telling me that they are in the area offering services including gutter cleaning, garden maintenance, and roofing. I need work completed on my home but am wary of being scammed. Can you help? Read More »

How to avoid the cost of living cons hitting hard-working Scots

Cost of Living, Scams / August 17, 2022

  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 …

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I have invested money into cryptocurrency and cannot get in contact with the company that I paid to handle my investment. I found them through social media channels, and the profile has been deleted. I think I have been scammed. Can you help?

Debt & Money, Finance, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Scams / June 23, 2022

Scottish citizens are being targeted by crypto asset-related investment scams on a more regular basis. This is in part due to the way that scammers latch on to current events, trending topics, and the latest fads. Some crypt assets, including Bitcoin and Ether, sometimes referred to as ‘cryptocurrencies’ are not regulated in the UK, meaning …

I have invested money into cryptocurrency and cannot get in contact with the company that I paid to handle my investment. I found them through social media channels, and the profile has been deleted. I think I have been scammed. Can you help? Read More »

I recently received a call claiming to be someone reaching out from my bank, advising that my account had been compromised, and that I should transfer money over to a ‘safe account’ with them. I transferred £1,200 and it turned out to be a scam. I feel so foolish. Can you help?

#ShutOutScammers, Saving Money, Scams / May 25, 2022

Bank transfer scams are becoming increasingly common, and can be very convincing, so do not be too hard on yourself about the fact you transferred the money. Very often this type of scammer will have additional information, including personal or banking details that they can use to come across as more genuine, and appear to …

I recently received a call claiming to be someone reaching out from my bank, advising that my account had been compromised, and that I should transfer money over to a ‘safe account’ with them. I transferred £1,200 and it turned out to be a scam. I feel so foolish. Can you help? Read More »