A survey by Trading Standards Scotland shows some of the most common cold calls and scams now relate to energy efficiency products.

Our Trading Standards team recently visited local communities with information for residents about current scams and how to avoid them.

Many people said they had been targeted by unsolicited sales telephone calls offering home improvement grants or improved computer data speed.

“We are seeing more scams that try to exploit the cost of living crisis, and scam consumers by providing misleading information and adverts about products and services,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

“A common scam is companies saying grants are available for energy efficiency measures, like insulation or new windows, but asking for payment up front. Consumers are told they will get the money back, but they rarely do. Many people are also reporting email and text scams requesting extra payments for parcel deliveries.

“If you are contacted out of the blue by phone, email, letter or a cold caller, never give your personal or bank details. Generally, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is so be very careful.”

Information on current scams as well as advice on how to spot a scam and avoid being scammed is available from Trading Standards Scotland at Latest Scams - Trading Standards Scotland (tsscot.co.uk)

If you or anyone you know has been scammed or is concerned about a potential scam, report it to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or at https://consumeradvice.scot/

Some scams are easier to spot than others, but you should be careful of anyone:

• asking you to make upfront payments, especially if it’s to release funds for a loan or prize money;
• you’ve never heard of or had dealings with in the past - for example, you’ve won a competition you don’t remember entering or you owe money to a company you haven’t heard of;
• asking for personal information – like your bank details, passwords or PIN numbers, legitimate companies would never ask for this type of information;
• pressuring you into a sale;
• asking you to make a payment using gift vouchers, wire or bank transfer, where there is less protection if something goes wrong;
• offering a free service or trial, then asking for payment details to complete the order;
• offering investment opportunities with guaranteed returns. You should also check that any company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority before you give them your money.