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Latest scams
Scams come in all shapes and sizes, from suspicious emails to fake calls. Fraudsters always look for new ways to try to steal your details and money.
Find out which scams are common right now, how they work and the steps you can take to stay safe.
Discover more latest scams…
Scam emails
Scam texts
Scam calls
App scams
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You can get straight forward, impartial advice on how to avoid scams from Take Five.
You can report a crime or get general advice from Action Fraud. They help banks and other companies combat fraud.
They offer advice on how to keep yourself and your devices safe from fraud.
UK Finance is there to support customers and to help make sure it's safe to bank.
Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)
The PRA is part of the Bank of England. Their role is to make sure banks act safely and reduce the chance of them losing money.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The FCA is there to make sure banks work well so customers are protected and get a fair deal.
CIFAS can help to protect your identity. They can stop fraudsters from using your details to apply for things in your name.
This is a government site that gives advice on how to stay safe online.
This is part of the FCA site. You can use it to check on an investment or pension deals to help you avoid scams.
Bank of Scotland does not control the content of any of the websites linked to on this page.
Social media scams
Bitcoin
How does it work?
Fraudsters use social media to offer Bitcoin (BTC) deals.
They often promise to double your money if you pay directly to a BTC address. But they’ll keep anything you send.
How to avoid this scam
If you see a social media post or get a message about Bitcoin, don’t reply. Report it on the platform, then delete it.
Scams through WhatsApp
How does it work?
Fraudsters use messaging apps like WhatsApp to pretend to be someone you know. They won’t know your name, so a message could begin with ‘Hi mum’ or ‘Hi mate’.
They’ll tell you about a problem and ask you to pay money to a bank account you've never paid before. Usually, they’ll say it’s to help pay a bill, but watch out for other excuses too.
How to avoid this scam
If you get a message like this - out of the blue from an unknown number - don’t reply, just delete it.
Talk to your family member or friend first - to check if it’s real. Call them on a number you trust, like the one saved on your phone. Never call the number from the message.
Learn more about social media scams
Learn more about social media scams
Fraudsters use social media to scam people. We can guide you on how to use social media to keep your details and money safe from scams.