Scam Awareness: Protecting Yourself and Your Money in Hamilton

In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in daily routines, but there’s something we all need to be extra mindful of. Scams. No one is immune to these. If you've received a suspicious text about a parcel delivery or a too-good-to-be-true offer on social media, you're not alone, unfortunately there are folks trying to take advantage.

Scots have lost over £860,000 to cybercriminals in just the past year, with online scams surging by 1,090%. Six in ten Scottish adults say they've received suspected scam emails or texts and what's particularly worrying is that social media scams have rocketed by 847%.

South Lanarkshire Council notes however that locally only 5% of scams are ever reported. When scams go unreported, it means people might suffer alone and other people don’t get warned.

Here in Hamilton, we're a strong community. By sharing information and staying alert, we can make it a much harder place for scammers to operate. This blog post is all about helping you spot the signs of a scam and giving you the tools to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Common scams to watch out for

Scammers use lots of tricks, but there are common warning signs that should make your alarm bells ring:

• Unexpected contact: Did you get a call, text, email, or even a knock on the door out of the blue from someone claiming to be from your bank, HMRC or a utility company? Even if they seem to know details about you, be very cautious.

• Pressure and urgency: Scammers love to create a sense of panic. They might say your bank account will be frozen, you'll be arrested, or you'll miss out on a great deal if you don't act right now. This is a huge red flag!

• Requests for personal information: Never give out your bank details, PIN, passwords over the phone, in an email, or to someone at your door. Reputable organisations will never ask for these.

• Requests for payment in unusual ways: If someone asks you to pay by cryptocurrency, or by transferring money to an unfamiliar account, stop immediately. These are almost always scam tactics.

• "Too Good to Be True" offers: Whether it's a huge lottery win you didn't enter, an investment with guaranteed sky-high returns, or a cheap holiday that costs suspiciously little, these are classic scam baits.

• Demands for remote access to your computer: Some scammers pretend to be from tech support and ask to take control of your computer. This allows them to install malware or access your personal files.

Common scams to be aware of in Scotland

While new scams emerge all the time, some patterns stay the same:

• Impersonation scams

  • “Help me, I’m your friend/family in trouble” scam. Someone contacts you via phone, email or social media, pretending to be someone you know and needs urgent money.

  • Delivery scams are everywhere right now. You'll get a text claiming there's an issue with a package, asking you to click a link. Don't do it, these links steal your personal and banking details.

  • Someone pretending to be from a legitimate organisation such as HMRC, DWP, Police Scotland, even NHS Scotland. They might try to get you to move money or reveal personal data.

• Investment scams: Promising high returns with little to no risk. These are often complex and can lead to significant financial loss, preying on people's hopes for financial security.

• Benefit/fuel-allowance scams: One example being fraudsters targeting households with a text about “winter fuel allowance” in the South Lanarkshire area. Remember, payment of this benefit is made automatically each year to eligible individuals, you do not need to apply for it.

• Shopping and online purchase scams: are very common. You pay for goods that never arrive or are not as described. Be wary of unbelievably cheap items from unknown sellers.

• Romance scams: Scammers build emotional relationships online, sometimes over months, then ask for money for a made-up emergency. Scotland has seen a 1,628% surge in dating scams, with losses reaching £1.7 million in 2024. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites, build relationships, then ask for money for emergencies that don't exist.

• Doorstep scams: Uninvited traders offering home repairs or services, often overpriced and unnecessary, or demanding cash up front. Always check IDs and get multiple quotes.

Keep yourself scam aware

Keeping yourself up to date with the most recent scamming trends is a great defence.

• South Lanarkshire Council publish regular updates and practical tips on how to spot scams in the area.

• Think Jessica is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of scams targeting older or vulnerable people.

• Citizens Advice Scotland have an online tool to help you check whether something is a scam.

• To protect yourself from unwanted marketing calls or messages, you can report to Ofcom.

What to do if you suspect a scam

1. Stop and think: Take a moment. Don't let anyone pressure you. If someone pressures you or offers something that seems too good to be true, pause. Scammers love urgency.

2. Verify: If you receive a suspicious call or email, contact the organisation directly using a number or email address you know is legitimate (e.g., from their official website or a trusted bill). Don't use contact details provided by the potential scammer. Never click links in unexpected messages. Whether it's a text about a delivery or an email from your "bank," always go directly to the official website yourself. Type the address into your browser rather than clicking any links.

3. Be cautious online: For any online purchase, check reviews, look for secure website locks (look for “https://”), avoid paying by bank transfer to someone you don’t know, and keep records of what you’ve paid for.

4. Use secure payment methods: Credit cards offer better protection than debit cards or bank transfers if something goes wrong.

5. Talk to someone: Share your concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or neighbour. Scams often succeed when people are isolated and embarrassed. A fresh perspective can often help spot a scam.

If You've Been Scammed

1. Don't feel embarrassed: Many people feel too scared or embarrassed to ask for help but remember that scammers are professionals, who trick even the savviest people.

2. Act quickly: Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card, not any number the scammer gave you.

3. Seek help:

   • Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, impartial advice and can help you report a scam and understand your rights.

   • You can use Citizens Advice Scotland online tool for advice on the next steps.

   • Free advice is available through Consumer Advice or by calling their helpline on 0808 164 6000. They can guide you through what to do next.

4. Report it:

   • Police Scotland: If you've lost money to a scam or believe you are a victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland by calling 101 or visiting your local station.

   • Action Fraud: The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime. You can report online or call 0300 123 2040.

   • Consumer Advice: Report using their online form.

Looking out for each other

Being aware is our best defence. Scams don't discriminate, but we can all play a part in stopping them. Use these tips and talk to your family and neighbours about what to watch for. Share this information with older relatives or friends who might be vulnerable. Report suspicious activity even if you didn't fall for it, it helps protect others.

Remember, there's no shame in being targeted or scammed. These are sophisticated criminals using psychological tricks. What matters is staying informed, staying cautious, and reaching out for help when you need it.

Being scam aware in Hamilton, Scotland.