Murdo Fraser MSP has backed a consumer group that provide advice on how to avoid scams. The Scottish Conservative politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, recently met with Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the consumeradvice.scot service, to discuss how to protect residents.
Common scams include bogus callers who are offering services such as landscape gardening or maintenance work in a bid to gain access to properties; online marketplace traders selling fake goods and fake emails claiming to be from companies including Amazon, banks, or government departments.
Consumeradvice.scot have said that scams cost the UK economy up to £10billion a year, and 53% of people aged over 65 have been targeted by scams. However, only 5% of scams are actually reported.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “Hundreds of people in Mid Scotland and Fife fall victim to scams every year.
“By following advice from Scotland’s new consumer advice service, people can spot the tell-tale signs and avoid being left out of pocket.
“There is no shame in being conned as scammers use sophisticated techniques to trick people, but it’s important to report any suspicions to consumeradvice.scot so that action can be taken.”
And Andrew Bartlett, Chief Executive of Consumeradvice.scot, added:
“It’s very important that any potential scams are reported to us as soon as possible so that we can raise awareness with Trading Standards and the police.”
Consumeradvice.scot provides free, impartial and practical advice directly to consumers in Scotland."