Scams Archives - Consumeradvice

Should you hire a door-to-door contractor? Four key tests to ensure you’re dealing with a genuine trader

Consumer Rights, Scams / August 22, 2024 August 22, 2024

When someone rings your doorbell offering to clean your driveway, it can be tempting to take them up on the offer, especially if your driveway could use some attention. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the person at your door is a legitimate trader and not a scammer. In Scotland, many people fall victim to cold-calling scams each year, so taking precautions is essential. Here’s how to decide whether you should hire them.

How to identify a genuine energy company call and protect yourself from scams

Christmas / Seasonal, Consumer Protection, Consumer Rights, Scams / August 22, 2024 August 22, 2024

Receiving a cold call from an energy company can be unsettling, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s legitimate. Scammers often pose as representatives from well-known companies to trick you into giving up personal information or agreeing to fraudulent deals. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure the call is genuine and protect yourself from potential scams.

I want to buy tickets for a show that’s sold out but I’m worried about getting scammed. How can I be sure the tickets are legitimate?

Scams / September 14, 2023 September 14, 2023

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 …

I want to buy tickets for a show that’s sold out but I’m worried about getting scammed. How can I be sure the tickets are legitimate? Read More »

I’ve heard that they are going to be testing an emergency warning system. I know this will be a message to my mobile phone, but I am hopeless with technology and don’t know what to do. I am worried about it. Can you help?

Consumer Protection, Scams / April 21, 2023 April 21, 2023

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, …

I’ve heard that they are going to be testing an emergency warning system. I know this will be a message to my mobile phone, but I am hopeless with technology and don’t know what to do. I am worried about it. Can you help? Read More »

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 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 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 …

Online Scams – Spot the Fraud, Avoid the Cost Read More »

Crypto Scammers: Avoiding the Investment Catfish

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

Crypto Scammers: Avoiding the Investment Catfish Read More »

Romance Scams: Avoiding the Catfish and Protecting Ourselves

Avoid the Catfish, Consumer Protection, Scams / February 10, 2023 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 / December 8, 2022 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 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 »

Category: Scams

Scams