Nearly £900k lost to fraudsters in Western Isles

Police in the Western Isles dealt with more than 70 reports of fraud in 2021, with personal financial losses totalling nearly £900,000 - an average loss of approximately £12,800 per victim.

Western Isles Citizens Advice Service, Police Scotland and Trading Standards at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CNES) have now come together to raise awareness about frauds and scams.

It is not always possible to recover these losses and Norah MacPhee, of Western Isles Citizens Advice Service in Stornoway, said: ‘Scams aren’t just a minor inconvenience to people.’

Fiona Macleod, of Police Scotland in the Western Isles, said: ‘The impact of scams and fraud can be financially and emotionally devastating for the victim, with many suffering isolation and hardship as a result - some even become more susceptible to further exploitation.

‘Anyone can fall victim to this type of crime, not just the elderly and the vulnerable

– even if we think we’re scam aware, all it takes is for us to be caught off guard in the moment by a skilled manipulator.’

Jay Moran, of CNES Trading Standards, added: ‘The location of the Western Isles may present limited opportunities for scams and doorstep crime to be committed in person by fraudsters attempting to take money from people. In the case of internet, mail and phone scams these are very real problems for people no matter where they live.

‘This can, of course, also include our businesses that may also be targeted by the same means and which also need to be vigilant too.’

As life becomes increasingly busy and complicated, so do criminals and the means by which they seek to take advantage of people for financial gain. There are so many types of scams, with new scams tactics consistently emerging and tricking consumers – some scammers use several different scams with an individual victim to get what they want.

Cyber-fraud is the most changing form of financial crime affecting Scotland. Ms MacPhee added: ‘Underreporting and stigma continue to be barriers in scams and fraud, with many feeling too ashamed and embarrassed to tell someone what has happened. There are so many types of scams, with new scams tactics consistently emerging and tricking consumers; as well as scams that we don’t know about, which makes it very difficult to help, prevent and support those who have fallen victim.’