MP Allan Dorans has urged residents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock to be on their guard against cost-of-living scams as Scotland’s ScamWatch Fortnight gets underway.

This year’s ‘Read Between the Li(n)es’ campaign highlights the importance of remaining vigilant - with fraudsters using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot on behalf of the Scottish Government, continues to see new tactics deployed as criminals try to manipulate struggling households.

Any residents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock who wants to report a scam should fill in the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at www.scamwatch.scot, which collects intelligence to share with various authorities.

With energy bills set to soar, recent reported scams include fake discounts on prepayment meters and bogus offers of energy or HMRC rebates, which leave potential victims even more disadvantaged.

Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock is throwing his support behind the campaign, urging his constituents to be aware about their daily activities.

He said: “This is such an important campaign, urging people to read between the lines to what is actually being said by scammers when they contact you unexpectedly.

"I would really encourage constituents to read through the really helpful advice provided by Consumer Advice.”

Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, added:“With scammers using a mixture of methods to target Scots consumers, it has never been more important for us to be aware of how to avoid them.

“We have seen scammers adapt their tactics in line with major world events, including the Covid-19 pandemic and crisis in Ukraine.

“New scams including fake energy rebates are being recorded as scammers try to exploit the challenging circumstances facing many families across Scotland.

“Throughout the campaign, we are highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and pausing before interacting with emails, text messages or social media adverts.

“The most effective way to stop scammers in their tracks is to report a scam to scamwatch.scot when you see one."

You can get more advice and information at www.consumeradvice.scot