Consumeradvice

Online Scams

consumeradvice.scot warn of potential scams related to the conflict in Ukraine

Scammers often use current political and other world events to take advantage of people and their good nature, and the current Russia-Ukraine situation will be no exception. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, various scams were perpetrated against Scottish consumers, ranging in complexity, relating to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), testing, and vaccinations, and evolving to mirror changes …

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I think that I have been scammed. I provided access to my router and laptop to someone claiming to be from Virgin Media and they have taken money from my bank account. Can you help?

There has been an increase in the number of reports from Scottish consumers who have been contacted by scammers claiming to be calling from Virgin Media and other internet service providers. These scammers often request access to be granted to the devices that their targets own, including laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Access is usually …

I think that I have been scammed. I provided access to my router and laptop to someone claiming to be from Virgin Media and they have taken money from my bank account. Can you help? Read More »

Covid-19 Scams – Fake Tests and Fraudulent Vaccinations

Throughout the pandemic, consumeradvice.scot have seen scammers targeting consumers, with scams including the sale of fake PPE and the targeting of the Test and Protect programme. Criminals are now targeting the crucial roll-out of the vaccination programme. consumeradvice.scot have received reports of Covid-19 vaccination scam emails and texts sent to consumers containing links to websites …

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Avoid A Money-Mishap this Boxing Day

Research carried out by The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) and Vouchercodes.co.uk suggests that in 2019, the average UK household spent over £450 in the December and Boxing Day sales. With stores already slashing their prices in advance of Boxing Day 2020, it is easy to find yourself caught up in the excitement of bagging …

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Shutting the Door on Scammers -Direct Mail and Postal Scams

The various methods used by scammers to gather consumer information is startling. With technology evolving daily and the channels we use to communicate with one another expanding, so do the tactics employed by unscrupulous individuals to collect our data in attempts to defraud us of our hard-earned money and precious time. Despite the development of …

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Using Video Conferencing Applications and Software Safely this Festive Season

With the announcement of tier 4 restrictions across Scotland taking effect from Boxing Day, many of us will be turning again to video conferencing as an alternative to physically attending gatherings this New Year’s Eve. With the various platforms that are out there, ensuring that any interaction is safe and secure is as important now …

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Counterfeit Goods: Impacts on Consumers and the Economy

We all like to feel like we are getting value-for-money in anything we purchase, but sometimes a bargain can leave us feeling cheaper than expected when it turns out to be a counterfeit, sub-standard imitation of the real thing. Questions are raised about the multiple perspectives involved in the operation of the movement of these …

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Cyber Security – Protecting Your Information When Shopping Online

Cyber scams can come in various forms and impact consumers in different ways. With a variety of methods employed by scammers to gather consumer information, being aware can ensure that we are not caught out. This is particularly relevant when shopping online, with scammers utilising social media platforms and cloned websites to gather personal information. …

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Online Shopping – Understanding the Gimmicks and Making the Most of Your Money

Online shopping means easier access to purchase the things that we want, with delivery straight to our doors. With many offers available, and clever online and email marketing directed towards consumers, understanding the tricks of the trade that are used to convince us to make purchases are important in ensuring we avoid the pitfalls, and …

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Contactless Fraud: Changing Payment Methods Mean Increased Risks

We have seen many changes in retail since the start of the year. The coronavirus pandemic has meant that shopping looks and feels very different for most of us. Limits to the numbers of shoppers allowed in store, as well as one-way systems and rules about spacing have had an impact on the retail store …

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