Ayrshire: Residents urged to be alert for cost-of-living scams

Campaign urges residents to be alert for cost-of-living scammers
Campaign urges residents to be alert for cost-of-living scammers
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AYRSHIRE residents have been urged to be aware of new cost-of-living scams in Scotland as ScamWatch Fortnight begins.

This year’s ‘Read Between the Li(n)es’ campaign, from Advice Direct Scotland, highlights the importance of remaining vigilant - with fraudsters using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP said: “Scammers are criminals taking advantage of people of all ages and backgrounds.

“I encourage people to take time to read about how they can reduce exposure to scammers.”

To report a scam, fill in the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at scamwatch.scot, which collects intelligence to share with various authorities.

If you have been contacted by someone and you are concerned they may be trying to scam you, the most important advice is as follows:

Don’t send them any money or buy anything;

Don’t give them any personal information, bank details, passwords or PIN numbers.

Don’t download any attachments or files in emails or click on any links.

Don’t ring any numbers you’ve received in an email or letter, especially if it’s a premium rate number.

Don’t let them into your house.

Find out more details at consumeradvice.scot/scamwatch22.

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