Fifers warned to be scam aware and to report any incidents

Scammers are waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting, Fife’s Trading Standards has warned.

The service has urged shoppers short of time and those looking for a bargain to beware at the start of this year’s Scams Awareness Month.

Scams come in all shapes and sizes, from the rogue trader charging for unwanted and badly done driveways to the fake and potentially life-threatening products bought online.

Add in email scams with non-existent lottery wins demanding payment up front, endless threatening scam mail and fake investment opportunities, and the picture is grim.

Research shows those aged between 40 and 60 are the most impacted, but there has been a disturbing rise in the number of 18 to 24-year-olds being scammed, and this group is the least likely to report it.

Fife Trading Standards service manager Dawn Adams said: “With so many vulnerable people being caught by scammers, there is no reason to be embarrassed.

“Instead, be scam aware and call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland to report incidents and help the authorities put a stop to it.”

She added: “Too many people are suffering in silence from being scammed and criminals are getting away with their money, in some cases to the point where the victim needs to sell their home to pay them off.”

Fife Trading Standards has joined forces with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Citizens Advice Scotland to send out the scam aware message.