A-Z of scams: Service provider scams

📱Cold calls saying your broadband will be disconnected

📱Cold calls asking for remote access to your device to fix a problem

Legitimate providers won't call unexpectedly to ask for bank details / to access your device

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

We've compiled a list of some of the most common scams that featured in our #ScamShare bulletin throughout 2025 👇

Report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or via scamwatch.scot #ScamShare

➡️ #Recent1r#Recent1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://mailchi.mp/42a4363bf9c0/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-19-december#Recent1

In the last #ScamShare bulletin of 2025:

🗨️Common Scams in 2025
🗨️Christmas Safety Warning: Hazardous Counterfeit Goods
🗨️Amazon QR Code Scam
🗨️Cadbury Christmas Giveaway Scam
🗨️Online Shopping: Your Rights
🗨️GP Scam Calls

➡️ https://mailchi.mp/42a4363bf9c0/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-19-december

Companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and telecoms providers will NEVER call unexpectedly and ask you to download software or to allow them to access your computer remotely.

Read more in our #ScamShare PDF on remote access scams ➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/spotlight-remote-access/

A-Z of scams - Remote Access scams

📱Cold callers who ask you to give them remote access to your computer/device to 'fix' a problem

Never follow instructions from a cold caller to download an app or software which would let them access your computer remotely

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

There have been lots of reports this year of scam QR codes being stuck on parking meters

Rather than scanning QR codes it's safest to pay using an official app downloaded from your smartphone’s app store, or cash/card if possible

Read more➡️https://ow.ly/AZ4U50XKPpy

A-Z of scams: QR Code scams

🅿️Criminals sticking codes on top of legitimate QR codes on parking meters/charging points

✉️Notes impersonating delivery companies asking you to scan a QR code to rearrange a delivery

Always review a QR code's URL before opening it

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

A-Z of scams: Phone contract scams

📱Cold calls offering a cheaper phone contract

📱Cold calls offering a new phone/upgrade

Never give any details to a cold caller or agree to make a payment on the spot - verify their identity & do some research first

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

Using an unfamiliar online store? Genuine websites/sellers should list:

✔️Returns policies and T&Cs
✔️Cancellation rights
✔️A valid return address and contact details.

If a UK website has a returns address overseas, be suspicious

➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/online-shopping/

Top tips for shopping online safely:

💳 Pay by credit card for stronger protection
❓ Check independent reviews of the seller/store
☎️ Make sure you have contact info for the seller in case something goes wrong
📦 Check the site’s return policy and T&Cs

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/online-shopping/

A-Z of scams: Online shopping

💻Scam websites offering cheap branded products that don’t actually exist

💻Social media ads for 'amazing' deals which lead to scam websites

Pay by card/secure online payment system where possible rather than bank transfer

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

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

Has a cold caller said they're working for the local council?

Don't take their word for it - close the door and call the council using a publicly listed number

Legitimate callers will be happy to wait

➡️ https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Spotlight-Council-Impersonation.pdf

Police officers will never cold call and ask you to:

❌provide bank details/PINs
❌transfer funds
❌hand cash/cards to a courier
❌pay a fine over the phone/online

If in doubt, call 101 to verify the caller's identity

https://biteable.com/watch/3449618/c01f1e13a725df1d4882e64fa00460c2

A-Z of scams: Not Who They Say They Are (impersonation scams)

🚪Saying they work for the council or housing association

📱Impersonating the police and asking you to withdraw money and hand it to an 'officer'

Always verify the identity of a cold caller before dealing with them

Don’t spend the party season hiding away with puffy eyes or rashes caused by counterfeit cosmetics

Fake cosmetics can contain dangerous chemicals and are unlikely to have gone through safety testing

Read more ➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/counterfeit-goods-online/

A-Z of scams: Makeup (counterfeit)

💄made from cheap, substandard ingredients
💄may contain untested/dangerous chemicals

Buy from reputable retailers where possible - be wary of branded products advertised at prices much lower than in official stores

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

We're almost halfway through our A-Z of scams!

Find out more about scams A-L on our website👇

Amazon
Bank
Cold callers
Delivery
Energy
Fake reviews
Gift cards
HMRC
Insurance
Jobs
Know your rights
Loans

https://www.tsscot.co.uk/a-z-scams/

All videos in the A-Z of scams published so far (A-L) can be viewed on our YouTube channel 👇

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrFecxRhIhT8YGlmRJy95b0ZiAHdXurO8

Seen an online ad or had a cold call/email offering a “quick and easy” loan?

Scammers often impersonate genuine firms and post these ads - you’ll be asked to pay an up-front fee and may not receive the loan

Read more➡️ https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Spotlight-Loans.pdf

A-Z of scams: Loan scams

📱Social media ads or unsolicited emails offering quick & easy loans

📱Being asked to pay an up-front fee before receiving a loan

When applying for a loan, only deal with firms authorised by the FCA - check the Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk

Have you seen our #ConfidentConsumer advert?👇

If you’ve experienced misleading or aggressive sales practices, you can report the trader to Trading Standards by calling 0808 164 6000 or visiting https://scamwatch.scot

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

Download & print ➡️https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Consumer-Checklist.pdf

A-Z of scams: Know your consumer rights

If you think you've been scammed or if you're having an issue with a trader/purchase, contact Advice Direct Scotland for advice & support

Visit www.consumeradvice.scot for more info or call 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

In this week's #ScamShare bulletin:

💬Energy Survey Scams
💬Recruitment Scams
💬Bin Cleaning Scams
💬Broadband Equipment Insurance Scams
💬Choose a Loan Shark Free Christmas
💬Fake Reviews Online

Read & share➡️ https://mailchi.mp/0d23f0951297/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-11-december