Fraudsters appear to be using the cost of living crisis as a means of parting Scots with their cash - by telling potential victims they've won money towards their energy bills.
People are receiving text messages purporting to be from their energy companies telling them they've been picked for a cash prize.
The messages ask would-be victims to send on their energy account number, security details like their mother's maiden name and their bank details in order to claim the "prize".
But in reality the fraudsters are using the details to nab cash for themselves.
One potential victim contacted the Record after receiving legitimate-looking text messages from Scottish Power.
Messages appearing to come from the company, which is his genuine energy provider, told him he had won a £2,000 prize.
But he became suspicious when the messages asked for his bank details - as he pays with a pre-payment card rather than by Direct Debit.
"The text said it came from Scottish Power, and had their logo," he said.
"But I told myself that the story with these things is that if they look too good to be true they probably are.
"But if older people get these texts they might not realise it's a scam - and with the way things are at the moment with energy, people are struggling, and they might not think."
He reported the text to Scottish Power, which has confirmed it is aware of the vile practice.
A spokesperson said: “We work hard to protect our customers’ personal information and would never ask customers for security or bank details via text message.
"We would urge all customers to be vigilant about ensuring any messages claiming to be from ScottishPower are genuine and not to click on any links provided if they’re concerned they could be fraudulent.
"Customers can check if a ScottishPower link or email address is authentic by visiting the dedicated section on our website - https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/legal/security/phishing.
"If any customer suspects they have been a victim of fraud, they should report it to the police.”
Scammy text messages can be reported to Ofcom by forwarding them to 7726, free of charge.
They can also be reported to Advice Direct Scotland using their free consumer helpline 0808 164 6000 or via their website at www.consumeradvice.scot.
If you have lost money or are worried that you have given your bank details to scammers, contact Police Scotland on 101.
