Scam Share Spotlights
Each of the following PDFs shine a spotlight on a particular scam that is frequently reported by Scottish consumers. They can be viewed online or downloaded and printed off for those who are not online.
If Local Authority Trading Standards teams or partner organisations would like to customise these resources with their own logos, please get in touch with us to request this.
Amazon Scams
Scam phone calls purportedly from Amazon Prime – often automated – where the caller provides misleading information about your account and asks for your details
Bank Scams
Scam calls and text messages, supposedly from your bank, saying there is an issue with your account or asking you to assist with a ‘fraud investigation’
Council Impersonation Scams
Cold callers who claim to work for or on behalf of the local council. They may offer to carry out maintenance work or inspect household appliances.
Delivery Scams
Scam emails and texts related to shipping or deliveries, which appear to have been sent by Royal Mail or other delivery companies and aim to obtain your details.
Doorstep Scams
Some of the most common doorstep scams are related to roofing, home maintenance, gardening work or services such as gutter cleaning or pressure washing.
DVLA Scams
Scam emails, texts and websites which include DVLA logos and branding in an attempt to appear legitimate. The aim of the messages is to gather personal and financial information.
Energy Scams
Cold callers are providing misleading information about grants and funding for energy efficiency products. They try to sell energy saving or home improvement measures that consumers don’t actually need.
HMRC Scams
Scam emails, texts and calls offering Government grants, tax refunds or rebates, or saying your National Insurance number is going to be suspended.
Holiday Scams
Scammers take advantage of high demand for popular destinations by creating fake social media accounts and websites to advertise accommodation that does not exist or that has already been booked
Investment Scams
Scam emails, social media messages and online adverts offering amazing investment schemes or huge returns for a small initial payment.
Loan Scams
Scammers may contact people who have applied for loans online. They’ll offer the money, but will ask for an upfront payment. They often pressure people to pay the fee quickly.
Online Shopping Scams
Many online shopping scams begin on social media or via email, with adverts leading to scam websites offering non-existant products or services at cheap prices.
PayPal Scams
Scam emails and texts that include PayPal logos and branding. The aim of the messages is to encourage you to click on a link leading to a copycat PayPal website.
Prize Draw Scams
Fake competitions, prize draws, voucher giveaways or surveys on social media or in emails, which appear to be linked to well known companies.
QR Code Scams
Scanning a scam QR code could lead to a malicious website that gathers your details. It could allow scammers to access functions/apps on your phone.
Recruitment Scams
Scammers impersonating recruiters and advertising non-existent jobs or sending messages via WhatsApp or social media to offer well-paid, flexible work.
Remote Access Scams
Scam calls where the caller poses as staff from an IT company, broadband provider or bank. The aim of these calls is to convince people to allow the caller to access their computer or device remotely.
Service Provider Scams
Scam calls where the caller poses as staff from service providers such as SKY, Virgin Media, TalkTalk or BT. The aim of these calls is to obtain your personal and banking information.
Ticket Scams
Scammers advertising non-existent tickets for events such as concerts, gigs and sporting events or selling tickets to non-existent events.
These scams are particularly common with high profile events.
TV Licensing Scams
Scam emails and text messages which appear to have been sent by TV Licensing, copying their branding and logos. Links in these messages lead to a copycat TV Licensing website.
Warranty/Insurance Scams
Cold callers where a scammer provides misleading information about insurance or warranties for white goods and appliances with the aim of obtaining personal and bank details.
WhatsApp Scams
So-called “Hello Mum/Dad” scams, where a scammer poses as a family member in need and sends WhatsApp messages asking for urgent financial help, usually via bank transfer.