Trading Standards - Five simple things you can do now to avoid scams nd fell more in control
8th October 2026
Trading Standards regularly issues warning about scams. Now they have provided a very useful advice list.
1. Be Aware of Your Rights
Know your consumer rights and who to contact if you need to report a scam or an issue with a trader – save details of helplines so you can easily find them if you need them.
If you experience a scam, issues with an item or product you have purchased, or any issues with a trader working in your property, support and advice is available.
Report Scams, Fraud and Issues with Traders
Advice Direct Scotland (report scams and issues with traders)
Phone 0808 164 6000 or visit consumeradvice.scot
Police Scotland (if you have lost money to fraud, or feel threatened by a trader)
Call 101 or 999 in an emergency
Emails / Text Messages
forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and text messages to 7726
Information on Consumer Rights and Advice on Dealing with Issues with Traders
Consumer Advice Scotland
consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre
Citizens Advice Scotland
citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer
Financial Ombudsman
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
2. Know Where to Find Trusted Information about Support
Find out about any government support or benefits you may be entitled to – be very suspicious of unexpected messages asking you to apply for a particular payment or grant.
Every year there are reports of scammers cold calling or sending bogus messages about grants, support payments or benefits related to the cost of living, such as winter heating payments. They usually ask for personal information and bank details.
Find Information about Government Support
Scottish Government
costofliving.campaign.gov.scot
UK Government
www.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Trusted Sources of Information about Support with the Cost of Living & Dealing with Financial Worries
Consumer Advice Scotland
consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre
Citizens Advice Scotland Money Map
moneymap.scot
Home Energy Scotland
www.homeenergyscotland.org
Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit
stopillegallending.co.uk
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3. Find Trusted Traders Before You Need Them
Find trusted traders such as locksmiths, plumbers and roofers before you need them and save their contact details in case of an emergency.
When you’re in a rush to find a trader to fix an urgent issue — whether it’s a leak, storm damage or being locked out — be cautious of sponsored adverts in online search results which off er extremely low prices, or cold callers o ffering special deals.
Approved Trader Schemes
Scotland's Approved Trader Directory
approvedtrader.scot
Buy with Confidence
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Professional Bodies / Trade Organisations
Trustmark
www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowner
Trade Association Forum
www.taforum.org/membership/member-directory
Master Locksmith's Association
www.locksmiths.co.uk
Federation of Master Builders
www.fmb.org.uk
4. Keep your Devices Secure
Make sure your devices and accounts are secure. Be very suspicious of any emails, texts or calls supposedly from banks, government agencies or service providers which ask you to provide details, passwords or pins, or to make a payment.
If in doubt about the legitimacy of any unexpected message which asks you to take urgent action, verify that it is genuine before providing any information or clicking on any links. Contact the company/organisation who supposedly sent it using details you know to be genuine, or log in to your account via the official website/app.
Advice on Staying Safe Online
National Cyber Security Centre
www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online
Police Scotland
www.scotland.police.uk/advice/internet-safety
Cyber and Fraud Hub
cyberfraudhub.org/resources
Financial Conduct Authority
www.fca.org.uk/consumers
Get Safe Online
www.getsafeonline.org
Ask Silver Scam Checker
www.asksilver.com
5. Stay Safe - Avoid Dangerous 'Bargains'
Keep your home and family safe - buy electrical goods, cosmetics, health products and toys from reputable retailers.
Avoid buying these items from third-party sellers on online marketplaces, no matter how cheap they are. These platforms are currently not legally responsible for the safety of goods sold via their sites.
Advice on Shopping Safely Online
National Cyber Security Centre
www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely
Anti-Counterfeiting Group
www.a-cg.org/consumer-advice/avoiding-fakes-online
Electrical Safety First
www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/powering-change/dont-be-electricked
Child Accident Prevention Trust
capt.org.uk/toy-safety
Information on Product Safety and Recalls
Office for Product Safety and Standards
www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls
Where to Report Scams
Scams
In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot
Fraud
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Suspicious Emails
You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's scam website reporting service at www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website