A WARNING has been issued over callous con artists who are using uncertainty caused by the Covid pandemic to cheat victims out of cash.

The alert comes during ScamWatch Week, which aims to highlight the misconception that only older and more vulnerable people are caught out.

Consumer organisation Advice Direct Scotland has stressed that scammers are increasingly using emails and texts to prey on people of all ages.

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, whose constituency stretches from Johnstone to Barrhead, is also urging local residents to be on their guard.

“Scammers are criminals who are often callous in their tactics to defraud people, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances,” said Mr Arthur, who is also Community Wealth Minister.

“Unfortunately, many have thrived amid the uncertainty created by the pandemic, with fraud reaching record levels.”

“We must ensure that people can readily access effective support to meet their needs. Working with partners, I will do all I can to use the capabilities of the Scottish Government to stop this abhorrent activity.”

Some of the most common scams include fake parcel delivery texts and investment frauds such as cryptocurrency offers.

Alongside this are more traditional doorstep scams by bogus callers pretending to be tradespeople, charity collectors or energy meter readers.

For guidance on how to avoid scams, call Advice Direct Scotland’s free helpline on 0808 164 6000 or visit www.consumeradvice.scot.

Anyone who has been a victim of a scam should call the police on 101.