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Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Amazon Prime Day shoppers urged to stay alert as fraudsters use AI to craft convincing scams
Advice Direct Scotland says criminals are exploiting artificial intelligence to create realistic phishing emails and automated calls that make it harder to spot fraud. Lanarkshire shoppers are being urged to stay alert ahead of Amazon Prime Day as fraudsters use artificial intelligence to craft increasingly convincing scams. Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service says criminals are exploiting AI to create realistic phishing emails and automated calls that make it harder to spot fraud. With Amazon Prime Day running from July 8-11, the charity warns scammers will target bargain hunters looking for deals during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Its advisers have recently handled cases including fake messages about Prime membership renewals, bogus refund offers, and calls claiming Amazon accounts have been hacked. The warning comes after Advice Direct Scotland revealed that Scots have lost at least £860,000 to cyber criminals in the past year amid a tenfold surge in online scams. Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With households across Scotland still facing huge financial pressures because of the cost of living and energy crises, it is understandable that people will be hunting for genuine Prime Day deals. 'But criminals are also looking for opportunities and now they have AI to help them sound more believable than ever. It can be easy to get caught out, especially if a call or email seems urgent and official. "But the best advice is to take a moment, trust your instincts, and check before you buy or click. 'Amazon will never ask for remote access to your device or for payment details over the phone or email. "If something feels suspicious, it probably is, and our expert team is here to help if you are unsure. "Anyone who is caught out by a scam or spots a suspected scam should report it using our free ScamWatch tool at Scammers often claim shoppers have ordered expensive items like iPhones and demand personal or banking details to cancel payments. Others use robocalls warning that Prime membership will renew at a discounted rate unless a button is pressed immediately. Fraudsters also try to trick people into downloading software that gives them remote access to devices, exposing bank details. Advice Direct Scotland stresses that Amazon will never call to ask for remote access or to install apps. If you receive suspicious calls, texts, or emails asking for personal information or payments, do not respond. The charity advises people to stay vigilant and, if a call appears suspicious or raises concern, to hang up immediately and contact your bank or card issuer directly. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
STV News
02-07-2025
- Business
- STV News
Scots issued warning over 'sophisticated' scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day
Scots shoppers are being warned over 'sophisticated' scams during Amazon Prime Day. Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) said scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more 'convincing' scams to defraud people out of money. The consumer advice charity said AI is being used to create realistic phishing emails and automated calls, which could be harder to spot as scams. Amazon Prime Day runs from July 8 to July 11, and sees deals discounted and offers incentivised for Prime users. ADS said its staff have handled cases including fake messages about Prime membership renewals, bogus refund offers, and calls claiming Amazon accounts have been hacked. The warning comes after it revealed that Scots have lost at least £860,000 to cyber criminals in the past year, representing a tenfold surge in online scams. Scammers often claim shoppers have ordered expensive items such as iPhones and demand personal or banking details to cancel payments. Fraudsters also try to trick people into downloading software that gives them remote access to devices, exposing bank details. ADS said Amazon would never call to ask for remote access or to install apps. If you receive suspicious calls, texts, or emails asking for personal information or payments, the charity says people should not respond. Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With households across Scotland still facing huge financial pressures because of the cost of living and energy crises, it is understandable that people will be hunting for genuine Prime Day deals. 'But criminals are also looking for opportunities and now they have AI to help them sound more believable than ever. 'It can be easy to get caught out, especially if a call or email seems urgent and official. But the best advice is to take a moment, trust your instincts, and check before you buy or click. 'Amazon will never ask for remote access to your device or for payment details over the phone or email. If something feels suspicious, it probably is, and our expert team is here to help if you are unsure. 'Anyone who is caught out by a scam or spots a suspected scam should report it using our free ScamWatch tool at Those looking for free consumer advice can visit consumer or call 0808 164 6000. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
04-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Scots warned of ‘scamdemic' as £860,000 lost to cyber criminals in 12 months
Scots have lost more than £860,000 to cyber criminals in the last year as digital scams have increased by more than 1,000% in recent years, according to figures from the national consumer advice service. In what is being dubbed a 'scamdemic' by charity Advice Direct Scotland, the number of such crimes rose from 94 in 2021-22 to 1,119 in 2024-25 – a 1,090% increase. The charity, which runs the website offering advice on avoiding scams, says the reality of the so-called scamdemic is likely to be far worse as the figures do not include cases which go unreported or are reported directly to police. It urged the public to remain vigilant as scammers' methods become more sophisticated. Over the same 2021-22 to 2024-25 period, it said social media scams rose 847%, or from 19 to 180. Email-based scams rose from 24 to 88, while SMS scams dropped by 75%, down from 102 to 25. Phone scams remained at a steady level, with 200 in 2021/22 and 202 this year. The financial impact of scams reported to Advice Direct Scotland reached £861,384 over the past 12 months, with £338,758 lost in the last six months alone. The more common forms of fraud are romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake deals sent through phishing emails, and false adverts on social media. The charity says consumers should be wary of high-pressure tactics and unrealistic promises. Scams were previously more easily identified, with poor spelling or grammar being an obvious sign. Criminals are now using AI to create more convincing messages, and according to the charity, some are even creating fake celebrity endorsements to make their schemes seem more authentic. New rules under the Online Safety Act came into force in March which require online platforms to do more to stop user-generated fraud. They must now carry out risk assessments and have effective complaints procedures in place, while large platforms must provide a dedicated way for users to report scams. Hazel Knowles, senior project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Unfortunately, we know that Scots have lost more than £860,000 to online scams in the past year, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. 'This is a hugely under-reported issue. Many victims are too embarrassed to speak out or do not even realise they have been targeted until it is too late. 'Our latest figures show a clear shift in tactics. Cyber criminals are moving away from basic text scams and using more sophisticated methods across email, social media and interactive platforms that mimic legitimate services with worrying accuracy. 'While SMS scams are in sharp decline, phone scams remain surprisingly resilient. It shows that some old threats persist even as technology evolves. 'It is important to remember there is no shame in being scammed, and anyone who is worried or needs help can contact our specialist advisers for free, impartial and practical advice. 'We are here to help people stay one step ahead of scammers and protect the digital spaces we all rely on.' Advice is available on or by calling 0808 164 6000. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Fraudsters steal almost £1m from Scots in just one year amid 'Scamdemic'
Online fraudsters apply more sophisticated techniques and exploit the growth of digital platforms to dupe victims. Scots have lost nearly £1m to cyber criminals in the last 12 months as experts warn of an emerging "scamdemic". Figures from Advice Direct Scotland said scams have surged tenfold from only 94 in 2021/22 to 1,119 this year - an astonishing rise of 1,090 per cent. The national consumer advice service says the scale of the problem is likely worse than indicated as the figures don't account for unreported cases or those directly reported to police. The charity is now urging the public to remain vigilant as online fraudsters grow in sophistication and exploit digital platforms at an unprecedented scale. Advice Direct Scotland says crooks have been using social media to target individuals, with scams soaring by 847 per cent in the last year - underscoring the vulnerability of users on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Email-based scams also rose sharply, climbing from 24 to 88 over the same period, while SMS scams plummeted by 75 per cent – down from 102 in 2021/22 to just 25 this year, as criminals switch tactics. Phone scams, meanwhile, remained steady, with 200 reported in 2021/22 and 202 this year. The financial impact of such cons reported to Advice Direct Scotland reached £861,384 over the past 12 months, with £338,758 lost in the past six months alone. Cases included romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake deals sent through phishing emails, and false adverts on social media that pressured victims into handing over money, bank details or personal information. It comes after the Record reported on the devastating case of a grandad losing £250,000 to ruthless crooks posing as staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Raymond Lumsden, 71, put aside the cash for his family's inheritance but was left penniless after the cruel con in January. The retired businessman, from Edinburgh, fell victim to the scam by approving the transfer of cash to the criminals' account after he responded to a Facebook advert claiming to offer high returns on savings. Hazel Knowles, senior project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Unfortunately, we know that Scots have lost more than £860,000 to online scams in the past year, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. 'This is a hugely underreported issue. Many victims are too embarrassed to speak out or do not even realise they have been targeted until it is too late. 'Our latest figures show a clear shift in tactics. Cybercriminals are moving away from basic text scams and using more sophisticated methods across email, social media and interactive platforms that mimic legitimate services with worrying accuracy. 'While SMS scams are in sharp decline, phone scams remain surprisingly resilient. It shows that some old threats persist even as technology evolves. 'It is important to remember there is no shame in being scammed, and anyone who is worried or needs help can contact our specialist advisers for free, impartial and practical advice. 'We are here to help people stay one step ahead of scammers and protect the digital spaces we all rely on.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The charity has urged consumers to be wary of unexpected contacts, high-pressure tactics and promises of unrealistically good returns. A professional-looking website or social media post does not guarantee something is legitimate. It warned that previously, one of the main signs of a digital scam was poor spelling or grammar. But now, criminals can use artificial intelligence tools to generate more convincing messages and even create fake celebrity endorsements that appear authentic. Suspected scams can also be reported through the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scots children as young as 11 being sold vapes while in school uniform
Shocking new figures from a leading advice charity reveal 112 out of 150 complaints made last year were about underage vape sales. Scots children as young as 11 are being sold vapes while in their school uniform, a probe by a consumer watchdog has found. Shocking new figures released by a leading advice charity revealed a staggering 112 out of 150 complaints made last year were about underage vape sales, with some rogue traders repeatedly being caught red-handed. From June 1 it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use or 'disposable' vapes. But Advice Direct Scotland warned there may be a struggle to uphold the ban if enforcement can't stop shops from flogging vapes to kids. Senior project lead Hazel Knowles said: 'Over the past year, we've received a significant number of complaints about underage vape sales including reports involving children as young as 11. 'In some cases, these sales were made to children in school uniforms, and some traders were reported multiple times. 'This highlights ongoing challenges with enforcement that need to be addressed. If enforcement mechanisms are already under pressure, there is a risk that they may struggle to keep pace with the demands of new regulations. 'This could be an issue with the new legislation. 'The upcoming legislation on single-use vapes is a welcome step towards protecting both public health and the environment. 'However, its success will depend heavily on how effectively it can be enforced.' Shopkeepers who flout rules on vape can be fined or banned from selling following trading standards investigations by local authorities. In 2023, an investigation found that one in five shops were willing to sell vapes to under 18s. Local authority Trading Standards carried out test purchase operations with volunteers under the legal age and found that 63 of the 312 premises tested across Scotland sold vapes to an underage volunteer. In May last year, Adnan Abbas, was banned by Inverness Sheriff Court from selling vapes for 15 months through two of his retail shops, following an investigation by a team at Highland Council. In December 2023, Awder Far, Director of Seven Days Peterhead Ltd, was fined £400 after being caught selling a vape to an underage test purchase volunteer during a compliance check operated by Aberdeenshire Council Trading Standards. A well as being harmful to young people, single-use vapes - also known as disposable vapes - pose a growing environmental and safety challenge. The products, which are typically used once and then thrown away, often end up as litter on our streets or in general waste bins. They can leak harmful chemicals into the environment, polluting soil, rivers, and streams and threaten local wildlife as well as posing a fire risk. Even when they're binned, they often go to landfill or are incinerated - wasting valuable materials like lithium and plastic that could otherwise be recovered and reused. A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes is due to come into force in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - marking a major step towards reducing environmental harm and promoting safer, more sustainable alternatives. Knowles, of Advice Direct, added: 'It's important that we learn from current gaps in oversight and ensure that the necessary resources, training and support are in place to make the new rules work in practice. 'This is about making sure that well-intentioned legislation is matched by practical, on-the-ground capability. 'We want to see a system that not only sets clear rules but also has the tools to uphold them consistently and fairly. 'The goal is to protect young people and reduce environmental harm and that's something we all support. 'But to achieve it, enforcement must be part of the conversation from the start.' Advice Direct offer free, impartial advice by calling 0808 164 6000 or using web chat and email at Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
