A 14% jump in bogus selling scams has been recorded by Citizens Advice Scotland officials over the last year. The number of people contacting the body's consumer helpline about the issue has risen from 1,429 in 2012/13 to 1,631 the following year.
It means that 31 people every week are, on average, getting in touch to report a fraudulent scheme.
The figures were released by Citizens Advice Scotland as it joined forces with other organisations to launch Scams Awareness Month.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has backed the movement and called for residents in the region to be extra vigilant when it comes to suspicious emails, texts and telephone calls that ask you to part with cash.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Today’s criminals are getting slicker and more technologically able and as a result are finding new ways to dupe hard working Scots into parting with their cash.
“I would like to welcome the effort by Citizens Advice Scotland who are hoping to raise national awareness of email, telephone, text and letter scams.
“Residents in Mid-Scotland and Fife have a part to play in catching scammers, as currently only 5% of people report being subject to a scam. If you spot what you think is a scam or believe you have been scammed, report it to the Citizens Advice helpline.
“The Scottish criminal justice service must work hard to ensure that the penalty for crimes of dishonesty, like these, remains strong and acts as a deterrent to prospective scammers.”