Thousands of households across Fife have sought help with scams, faulty goods, and problems with local traders in the last year, according to new figures. 

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, recorded more than 3,200 complaints in the Kingdom in the 12 months to October. 

The charity is now encouraging the public to make informed spending choices and remain vigilant against scams. 

Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said:  “The cost-of-living crisis has had a concerning impact on Scottish consumers, making it more important than ever for them to be aware of their rights and know what to do if things go wrong."

Fife ranked second in Scotland for the number of disputes over lost money and breached consumer rights, behind Glasgow. 

The region saw 67 fraud-related cases as the cost-of-living crisis squeezed family budgets. 

Issues also included complaints over used and new cars, as well as building and roofing work. 

In the past year, Advice Direct Scotland addressed 2,752 complaints and 385 inquiries from Fife consumers, recording 990 formal grievances against companies. 

The charity also received a total of 90 complaints and inquiries from regional businesses. 

Vehicles were the most frequently complained-about issue, comprising one fifth (21 per cent) of all cases. 

Home maintenance and improvements followed as the next most common issue, accounting for 16 per cent of the reported cases. 

Problems related to other products or services, as well as energy and heating, each accounted for around four per cent. 

Mr Forbes continued: “We have witnessed significant demand from individuals in Fife seeking assistance for various issues.

“People are understandably more anxious about ensuring they receive the refunds, repairs, or replacements they are entitled to. 

“Unfortunately, we also know that scammers adapt their tactics to take advantage of the challenging circumstances facing many families."

Advice Direct Scotland advises that when purchasing a car, consumers should consider the source carefully. Seeking recourse is often easier when buying from a dealership or garage compared to online platforms. 

Other tips from the charity include using a credit card for purchases over £100, as it will be protected under the Consumer Credit Act. 

Goods should meet satisfactory quality standards with no faults or damage, and they should be durable. 

Mr Forbes added: “Consumers can report suspected scams and suspicious activity using the quick reporting tool at scamwatch.scot. 

“If you are concerned or need help, you can also contact one of our specialist consumer advisors for free, impartial, and practical advice at 0808 164 6000 or visit www.consumeradvice.scot." 

Anyone who wants to report a scam should fill in the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool here, which collects intelligence to share with various authorities.