Consumer Scotland

  • Home
  • Consumer Scotland
Directions Website

Consumer Scotland Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Consumer Scotland, Public & Government Service, .

Consumer Scotland is the statutory body working to protect consumers from poor practice, prevent harms such as scams, and provide and promote the information, advice and support people need for prosperity and wellbeing.

Who do you think is most at risk of being scammed or ripped off as a consumer?According to our first Consumer Welfare Re...
14/10/2026

Who do you think is most at risk of being scammed or ripped off as a consumer?

According to our first Consumer Welfare Report, it's young people. Nearly three quarters of people aged 18 to 24 experienced consumer harm in the past year, and almost 1 in 5 fell victim to a scam.

That compares with 41% of people aged 65 to 74, and just 31% of those aged 75 and over.

It might seem surprising, since young people often spend more time online. But being digitally savvy doesn't always mean being confident managing money, spotting scams or understanding your rights as a consumer.

Which of these facts do you find the most surprising?

13/10/2026

Don't feel embarrassed about reporting a scam – scammers are clever and scams can happen to anyone.

Being affected by a scam doesn’t just have a financial impact, it can impact you emotionally too.

Reporting a scam could help track and stop a scammer.
Reaching out to talk to someone about what you’re going through and how you’re feeling can help.

Find out more from Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-dealing-with-the-effects-of-scams/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=consumerawareness&utm_term=scamawareness2026

12/10/2026

Scams can come in many forms.

Over the next 2 weeks we’re sharing everything you need to know to be . Our advice can help you spot and avoid scams, and get the support you need if you’ve been scammed ⚠️

Need support now? Check out our scams advice:
https://bit.ly/46dIxvC

We welcome the addition of near real-time fuel prices to Google Maps. It will make fuel costs clearer for consumers.Help...
08/10/2026

We welcome the addition of near real-time fuel prices to Google Maps. It will make fuel costs clearer for consumers.

Helping drivers find the best deals and supporting local competition is key during this period of price volatility.

This is especially important in rural parts of Scotland, where there is often less competition between fuel retailers.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

06/10/2026

Think older people get scammed the most? Think again.

BBC Scotland hit the streets to ask young people in Scotland about scams and online shopping. This followed our Consumer Welfare Report, which found that almost 1 in 5 younger people have fallen victim to a scam in the past year.

05/10/2026

Consumer welfare and economic growth are closely linked. And we are all consumers.

When consumers can access the goods and services they need, understand their rights, and participate confidently in markets - the economy works better for everyone.

Today, we published our first Consumer Welfare Report. BBC Scotland asked David Eiser, our Director of Research and Analysis, about its findings.

One in five people in Scotland are regularly struggling to afford the basics, like food, energy or paying the bills.That...
05/10/2026

One in five people in Scotland are regularly struggling to afford the basics, like food, energy or paying the bills.

That's one of the findings from our first Consumer Welfare Report, published today. It's the most complete picture yet of how well people in Scotland are served as consumers. It also explores where things are going wrong.

We'll be publishing this report every three years.

Overall, 6 in 10 people experienced consumer harm with a purchase or service in the past year. This ranged from faulty goods and scams to unfair charges and trouble getting a refund.

Online shopping was a particular problem, with two thirds of people hit by hidden or unexpected charges, and many finding it hard to cancel subscriptions once they'd signed up.

Some people are more affected than others, including disabled people, those on lower incomes, younger people and people who find it harder to get online.

Have you experienced any of these problems yourself?

30/09/2026

We often think Scotland has endless water because it rains so often. But the truth is more complicated.

Changing weather patterns are bringing longer dry spells alongside heavy downpours. And a lot of that rain never even reaches the places we need it most.

This Scotland's Climate Week, it's worth thinking about water differently.

Small changes at home, like fixing a dripping tap, using a watering can instead of a hose and keeping showers under four minutes can make a difference.

Which of these do you already do?

If your home runs on heating oil or LPG, this could affect you.The Scottish Government has extended the Scottish Emergen...
29/09/2026

If your home runs on heating oil or LPG, this could affect you.

The Scottish Government has extended the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme. It helps people struggling with the cost of heating their homes this winter.

You could apply if:

• you're on a low income, including if you receive certain benefits
• you're struggling financially and need to cut back on the fuel you use to heat your home
• if you have unavoidable heating needs

You can apply through advice.scot at homeheatingadvice.scot

Free, impartial advice to anyone who wants to reduce their energy use and lower their costs is also available.

Contact Home Energy Scotland to understand which grants, loans and support you might be able to access.

Visit homeenergyscotland.org for more information.

If you live in rural Scotland, everyday things like applying for a job or helping a child with homework can be harder th...
28/09/2026

If you live in rural Scotland, everyday things like applying for a job or helping a child with homework can be harder than they should be.

Our new report reveals that people in rural areas are less likely to have access to the latest broadband and mobile technology than people in towns and cities.

We've put forward a set of recommendations to help close this gap, including better information for consumers and support for those struggling with the cost of getting online.

Address


Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Consumer Scotland posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

  • Want your organization to be the top-listed government service?

Share