SCAMS
How can I protect myself?
Don’t rush into making decisions. If someone pressures you, it’s probably a scam.
Never give money or personal details, like passwords or bank details, to anyone you don’t know, trust or have only met online.
Pay by debit or credit card. This gives you extra protection if things go wrong.
Before you buy anything, check the company or website you’re using. Read reviews from different websites, search for the company’s details on Companies House, and take a look at their terms and conditions.
If you’re not sure about something, get advice from a trusted source.
Where to Report Scams
Scams
In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot
Fraud
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Suspicious Emails
You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre’s scam website reporting service at www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website
Suspicious Text Messages
If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to 7726. The free-of-charge ‘7726’ service enables your provider to investigate and take action if malicious content is found.
