News / Scams take many forms
THE COUNCIL’S trading standards services is being contacted by an ever-growing number of small businesses and members of the public as attempts to scam Shetlanders increase.
Team leader David Marsh said: “These scams take many forms, from emails asking you to update online banking details to letters telling you about an inheritance windfall, but they’re all aimed at getting money from you in some way or other.
“Always question why someone has contacted you, don’t be afraid to put the phone down and never give out your personal details to anyone who calls you out of the blue – and encourage your family, friends and neighbours to take the same approach.”
Care must also be taken online: “Think very carefully before opening an attachment or clicking on a web link – if you need to go to the website of your bank (or some other organisation which has apparently emailed you), then find them online as you normally would rather than using a link which may take you to a cloned copy of the genuine website,” Marsh said.
For more info about these scams, alongside consumer advice, visit www.shetland.gov.uk/tradingstands, or call 01595 744 887.
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