Stay Safe: Recognising and Avoiding Scams

At East Kilbride Credit Union, protecting our members and community from scams is a top priority. With the rise of fraudulent schemes, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about how scammers operate and how to avoid becoming a victim. Recently, our very own Sophie Edgar attended the 12 Scams of Christmas seminar hosted by Money Advice Scotland, bringing back valuable insights to help you stay safe during the festive season and beyond.

What is a Scam?

A scam is a dishonest scheme designed to trick individuals into giving away money, goods, or personal information. Scammers use increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive their victims.

The Scale of Scams in the UK

The impact of scams across the UK is staggering:

• 40 million people in the UK have been targeted by scams.
• Scams and fraud make up nearly 40% of all reported crime.
• The average financial loss per victim is £1,730.
• In 2023, the total amount lost to fraud reached a shocking £1.17 billion, with nearly 3 million confirmed cases.

Common Types of Scams

Scammers use a variety of methods to target victims. Here are some of the most common types:

• Phishing: Fake emails or websites designed to steal your information.
• Vishing: Fraudulent phone calls impersonating trusted organisations.
• Smishing: Scam text messages containing harmful links.
• Investment and Pension Scams: False promises of high returns or secure investments.

The 12 Scams of Christmas

1. Delivery Scams

• Fake notifications requesting fees for parcel deliveries.
• Suspicious parcels you don’t recognise.

2. Online Shopping Scams

• Counterfeit goods on fake websites.

3. Christmas Discount Emails

• Emails leading to phony websites.
• Requests for personal details in exchange for discounts.

4. WhatsApp Scams

• Messages like “Hey Mum” or “Dad” from unknown numbers.
• Claims of being stranded on a night out.

5. Luxury Advent Calendars

• Social media ads offering fake high-end advent calendars.
• Scam emails promoting fake Black Friday sales.

6. Gift Card Scams

• Discounted gift cards that don’t work.
• Fake gift cards sold by unauthorised websites.

7. Refund Scams

• False refund offers from sources like HMRC or other government entities.

8. Bank Activity Scams

• Fraudulent texts, emails, or calls claiming suspicious account activity.
• Scammers often mimic legitimate communication channels.

9. Fake Charities

• Bogus new charities or fake collections for well-known organisations.

10. Travel Scams

• Fraudulent websites like fake Airbnb or Booking.com listings.
• Fake travel giveaways, especially during the festive season.

11. Pop-Up Shops

• Temporary shops selling items with no return policy.

12. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree Scams

• Fake listings for tickets or items that don’t exist.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect a scam, act fast and follow these steps:

• Contact Advice Direct Scotland: Call 0808 164 6000.
• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free).
• Report to Police Scotland: Dial 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if urgent.
• Notify your bank or credit card provider immediately.
• Report to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.

A Message from Sophie Edgar

Sophie’s attendance at the 12 Scams of Christmas seminar hosted by Money Advice Scotland highlights the importance of staying educated on scam trends, particularly during the holiday season. As scammers become more sophisticated, sharing this knowledge is crucial to keeping our community safe.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

The best way to fight scams is through awareness and caution. Be sceptical of unexpected communication, double-check deals that seem too good to be true, and always verify the legitimacy of emails, calls, and messages.

At East Kilbride Credit Union, your safety is our priority. If you have any concerns or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can build a safer and more informed community.