Have you experienced a scam?

If you're in Scotland, report it to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or via https://scamwatch.consumeradvice.scot/

Stay #ScamAware

Do you have friends or relatives who are bothered by scam calls?

Our PDF with information about common scam calls and how to avoid them can be printed off for those who are not online 👇 #ScamShare #ScamAware

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Phone-Scam-Information.pdf

Ask Silver is a free AI-powered scam checking tool accessible via WhatsApp, designed to protect users from scams

You can upload a screenshot of suspicious texts, emails, or websites and get a breakdown of any red flags and suggestions on staying safe

Find out more ➡️ https://www.ask-silver.com/

If your property has damaged in storms this winter, avoid dealing with cold callers who offer to carry out repair jobs on the spot, or who say they've found damage

Read more in our #ScamShare bulletin
➡️ #Ongoing1#Ongoing1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://mailchi.mp/5d5d26b6d4e8/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-15-january#Ongoing1

Be #ScamAware of emails saying your cloud storage is full or your Apple ID has been locked

Don't click links in unexpected messages- only update account info via Settings on your device, iTunes or the App Store

➡️#Recent4y#Recent4" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://mailchi.mp/5d5d26b6d4e8/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-15-january#Recent4

There have been reports of companies offering tours around Scotland who have taken bookings but then fail to turn up at the agreed location, leaving visitors stranded

Read more ➡️#Recent2y#Recent2" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://mailchi.mp/5d5d26b6d4e8/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-15-january#Recent2

HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of scams in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline on 31 Jan

HMRC will never ask for personal/financial info via text or email, or leave voicemails threatening legal action

➡️ https://mailchi.mp/5d5d26b6d4e8/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-15-january

Recent reports of cold callers who say they're conducting a health survey, then try to pressure people into buying mobility aids such as mattresses, which are often substandard or unsuitable

Read a case study➡️#Recent3y#Recent3" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://mailchi.mp/5d5d26b6d4e8/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-15-january#Recent3

In the first #ScamShare bulletin of 2026:

🗨️Self Assessment Scams
🗨️Tour Operator Scams
🗨️Health/Sleep Survey Scams
🗨️Cloud Storage Scams
🗨️Find Trusted Traders & Report Issues
🗨️Ask Silver Scam Checker

Please read & share ➡️https://mailchi.mp/5d5d26b6d4e8/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-15-january

Our #ScamShare bulletin will return tomorrow, with information and advice about the latest email, doorstep, phone and cyber scams affecting Scottish consumers.

Sign up to receive the bulletin here: https://mailchi.mp/79a5dd06fd6a/scamshare

Report all scams to @advicedotscot

HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of scams in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline on 31 January

More than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported in the last 10 months

Read more➡️ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4800-self-assessment-scams-reported

Scammers may create copycat websites advertising holiday accommodation which doesn't exist or has already been booked.

Do plenty of research before booking a holiday - find out more at www.tsscot.co.uk/holiday-scams/

Avoid a #Scamcation

Holidaymakers have been left in tears after paying hundreds of pounds for accommodation that didn’t exist

If possible, book directly with the holiday provider or through a reputable agent. Be suspicious if asked to pay by bank transfer/cash

➡️http://www.tsscot.co.uk/holiday-scams/

Be suspicious of holidays advertised on social media or in unsolicited emails at a reduced price

Scammers will be aware of destinations which are in high demand this spring/summer and may create fake deals

Avoid a #Scamcation
www.tsscot.co.uk/holiday-scams

Looking at spring/summer holidays?

Where possible, pay via credit card rather than bank transfer – this offers more protection if something goes wrong

Be suspicious if a provider only accepts payment by cash/bank transfer - avoid a #Scamcation

➡️http://www.tsscot.co.uk/holiday-scams/

Have you seen a scam advert for holidays or accommodation?

You can report suspected scam ads in paid-for space, including newspaper websites, paid-for search engine ads or social media to the Advertising Standards Authority here➡️ https://www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint/report-an-online-scam-ad.html

Thinking of booking a spring or summer getaway?

Be wary of holiday scams such as:

🏘️fake accommodation listings on social media
📞cold calls and unsolicited emails offering holiday deals
💻scam websites
✅fake reviews on popular travel sites

Read more➡️www.tsscot.co.uk/holiday-scams

Our weekly #ScamShare bulletin includes information and advice about the latest email, doorstep, phone and cyber scams affecting Scottish consumers

Sign up to receive the bulletin and view previous editions at https://www.tsscot.co.uk/bulletin/

The accessibility tool on our website includes:

✔️Text to Speech software
✔️Font & colour customisation
✔️Reading accessibility tools
✔️Translation into over 130 languages

Just click the circular ReciteMe icon to get started! ➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/

With products and services becoming more expensive, it's important to make sure that your consumer rights are upheld.

Find out more about your rights at https://consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/ or contact the Advice Direct Scotland team on 0808 164 6000 for support on consumer-related matters

Did you know that we are an official information provider on the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system?

Find out more about signing up to receive alerts and how to opt in to receive Trading Standards information if you're already registered 👉 https://ow.ly/G92U50XNHrx

Our cold caller checklist may be useful for those who are worried about rogue traders or who don’t feel confident dealing with cold callers

View it online or download & print: https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Consumer-Checklist.pdf #ConfidentConsumer

Almost half of Scots (46%) have experienced an aggressive or misleading sales transaction

Do you know how to recognise misleading or aggressive sales practices and what to do if you experience them?

Find out more about your consumer rights ➡️ https://consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

If your home needs repairs/improvements this winter do plenty of research and avoid fake reviews:

☑️Base your choice on credible reviews: check at least 3 sites
☑️Get different quotes from trusted companies
☑️Check they're members of an approved trader scheme/professional trade organisation

Did you know that you can report online scam ads in paid-for space, including ads on newspaper websites, paid-for search engine ads or ads appearing on social media?

Find out more and report suspected scam ads: https://www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint/report-an-online-scam-ad.html