Lanarkshire consumers warned about cost-of-living scams as part of ScamWatch Fortnight campaign

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Lanarkshire consumers have been urged to be aware of new cost-of-living scams in as the national ScamWatch Fortnight gets underway.This year’s "Read Between the Li(n)es" initiative highlights the importance of remaining vigilant - with fraudsters using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service on behalf of the Scottish Government, continues to see new tactics deployed as criminals try to manipulate struggling households.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android With energy bills set to soar, reported scams include fake discounts on prepayment meters and bogus offers of energy or HMRC rebates, which leave potential victims even more disadvantaged.Lanarkshire residents are also being warned about investment scams such as cryptocurrency deals, often featuring sham celebrity or expert endorsements, circulated on social media.Alongside this are bank telephone scams and romance frauds, designed to steal money, and traditional doorstep scams by bogus callers posing as tradespeople.The Scottish ScamWatch Fortnight, which runs on social media platforms until August 28, will look at scam methods and offer free advice on the ways in which consumers can reduce exposure to scammers.