RESIDENTS in Dunoon are being urged to stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters following the visit of a fraud awareness roadshow to the town.
Trading Standards Scotland and Police Scotlands community engagement team brought their specially equipped advice van to Dunoon this week, offering practical advice to help people recognise and avoid common scams.
The visit formed part of a wider tour of Argyll and Bute aimed at raising awareness of the growing threat posed by fraudsters both online and in person.
Experts spoke to local residents about a range of scams, including fake online shopping websites, fraudulent social media adverts, phishing emails and text messages designed to steal personal information.
Advice was also available on doorstep crime, with residents reminded of their rights when dealing with uninvited callers, rogue traders and bogus workmen.
A key feature of this years campaign is the promotion of Ask Silver, a free artificial intelligence-powered scam checking service.
The online tool allows users to upload screenshots or photographs of suspicious emails, text messages, letters or websites through WhatsApp or the Ask Silver website.
Within seconds, the AI analyses the content for warning signs and advises whether it is likely to be a scam. Users can also report suspected scams directly to the relevant authorities through the service.
Trading Standards Scotland is encouraging residents to make use of the free tool as another way of protecting themselves, their families and friends from fraud.
The organisation says staying informed and recognising the warning signs remains one of the most effective ways to prevent becoming a victim of increasingly convincing scams.
