Dumbarton MSP, Jackie Baillie, has backed Citizens Advice Scotland’s Scams Awareness Campaign. The Citizens Advice network, which has seen an increase in people seeking advice on reporting scams over the last year, has launched the campaign in a bid to equip people with the skills they need to spot scams, tackle the stigma surrounding scams and to promote the importance of reporting.

Research from Citizens Advice Scotland shows that 46% of people in Scotland have been targeted by a scam at least once in the past year. With 16 – 25 year olds most likely to be targeted by an email scam – 43% – and people over 65 most likely to be targeted over a landline phone.

People who think that they have been a victim of a scam are encouraged to seek advice from their local Citizens Advice Bureau, register the scam with the Police on 101 or seek further help. More information about the Citizens Advice Scotland campaign can be found at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/sa2019/.

Jackie said:

“Scammers often target those who are vulnerable and the effect of the scam can be devastating for victims.

“Citizens Advice Scotland’s campaign is vitally important to help people spot the signs of a scam and make them aware of what to do if they do fall victim.

“I would encourage anyone who may have fallen victim to a scam to contact Citizens Advice Scotland for information on how they can report this crime and for more information people can visit the Citizens Advice website.”