Scams prevention, awareness and enforcement strategy: 2021 to 2024

Tackling Scams in Scotland: A Shared Framework, Vision and Outcomes

Figure 1 presents an overview of the new strategic framework that we are introducing to tackle scams in Scotland, and how we see this approach supporting delivery of a broader vision and national outcomes over time.

Summary of Strategic Objectives & Actions, 2021-24

Below is a summary of key strategic objectives and actions that we will take to implement this framework in practice. This strategy sets out why this work is important, the gaps we seek to address within the current scams prevention landscape and how these actions – as structured by the new framework – will help us strengthen our collective approach.

Introduction

Following the conclusions of the Scottish Nuisance Calls Commission, in September 2017 we published an action plan in which we committed to the longer term ambition to develop a scams prevention strategy^[1]. This was in recognition of the Commission’s assessment that nuisance calls are often a part of a more complex and harmful scam activity.

To inform next steps, we undertook initial baseline work to better understand the extent of the issue that scams pose in Scotland. This included an evaluation of the effectiveness of actions to reduce harm caused by nuisance calls, published in March 2018^[2].

On 13 June 2019, the First Minister then announced the Scottish Government’s plan to publish a new Scams Prevention Strategy.

A new Scams Prevention Partnership Group was formed, and a set of suggested ideas were identified for further consideration as part of the development of the strategy:

• to explore the value of a central point for people in Scotland to report scams, and receive feedback, advice and support – cited as part of this included benefits in terms of streamlining the user journey, and optimising intelligence to inform further prevention and intervention work;
• set up a data group to assess current data and intelligence and how it can be used to prevent scams; and
• develop a more coordinated approach to scams awareness and education, including: exploring a centralised calendar of campaigns; and a framework that supports both national and local priorities.

In September 2020, the Minister for Business, Fair Work & Skills announced the establishment of a newly focused and streamlined Scams Prevention Strategy Partnership & Advisory Group^[3], comprised of 14 members and two observer organisations. The group was specifically tasked with developing robust advice to help steer the strategic direction of travel for scams prevention work that would be reflected in the strategy, building on the initial outputs of the previous partnership group.

The focus and actions within this strategy have been developed on the basis of the work of the Advisory Group – and sub-working groups – as well as additional discussions with central advice and enforcement bodies on an ad hoc basis. As such, we are confident that the work set out here represents a fair reflection of wider stakeholder concerns and advice regarding how best to tackle scams in Scotland.

This strategy sets a direction of travel for further collaboration with partners throughout Scotland to combat scams, and develop a “whole person, whole system” approach to support and enforcement provision. Tackling scams effectively – and consistently meeting the diverse needs of those impacted – is a long term objective that will take commitment and determination. The actions set out here represent just the first steps in this journey.

In the following chapters, we will outline:

(1) What we mean when we talk about “scams” and why they are an important issue in Scotland to address;

(2) The good work that is already underway by partners and the Scottish Government to address some of the challenges presented by scams;

(3) Gaps in the existing approach and what is needed to strengthen our collective approach;

(4) What new work we are in the process of taking forwards, or will develop over the coming months with partners in order to address these gaps through the introduction of a new strategic framework; and

(5) How we will oversee delivery.