Scots Lose Over £860,000 to Online Scams as 'Scamdemic' Grows

Scots have lost more than £860,000 to online scams in the past year, with a sharp rise in cybercrime across the country. According to new figures from Advice Direct Scotland, the number of reported digital scams has increased by more than 1,000% in just three years.

The consumer charity, which runs the website consumeradvice.scot, has called the growing problem a “scamdemic.” Reported scams jumped from just 94 cases in 2021-22 to 1,119 in 2024-25—a rise of 1,090%.

But the true scale could be even worse. Many scams go unreported or are reported directly to police, meaning the actual number of victims is likely higher.

The charity is urging people to stay alert, especially as scammers now use more advanced tricks. In the same three-year period:

• Social media scams rose by 847%, from 19 to 180.

• Email scams jumped from 24 to 88.

• SMS (text message) scams dropped from 102 to 25.

• Phone scams stayed steady, with 202 reported this year compared to 200 in 2021.

In the last 12 months alone, the total money lost to scams reported to Advice Direct Scotland hit £861,384—of which over £338,000 was lost in just the last six months.

Popular scams include romance fraud, fake cryptocurrency deals, phishing emails with false offers, and bogus adverts on social media. Criminals are also using artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing fake messages and even fake celebrity endorsements to fool people.

Hazel Knowles, senior project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said:
“Unfortunately, we know that Scots have lost more than £860,000 to online scams in the past year, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many people don’t speak out because they feel embarrassed or don’t realise they’ve been scammed.”

She added that scammers are moving away from basic text messages and are now using more realistic-looking emails, social media posts, and websites that mimic genuine businesses.

While text scams are falling, phone scams continue to be a threat, showing that some old methods still work.

The charity stressed that anyone can be scammed and there is no shame in falling victim. Free help and advice is available from their specialist advisers.

Need help or advice?
Visit: www.consumeradvice.scot
Call: 0808 164 6000

Stay safe:

• Don’t trust deals that seem too good to be true

• Be cautious of pressure to act quickly

• Report suspicious activity to authorities or Advice Direct Scotland