Aberdeenshire Trading Standards

02/09/2026

Aberdeenshire Trading Standards were out again last night with our 2nd visit to Kintore SWI where we provided a presentation about phone scams and the tactics these people use on members of the public and what to do about it. We look forward to another return visit, to cover other topics.

01/09/2026

Bob McKinney, Enforcement Officer with Aberdeenshire Council’s Trading Standards department will be chatting with John Graham of Grampian Hospital Radio (https://www.facebook.com/GrampianHospitalRadio)
on ‘The Slice’ between 1pm and 3pm on Thursday 3rd September when they’ll be discussing rogue traders and phone and telecare scams. The show will be repeated between 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday 8th September. Tune in using the link at:

A friend at your bedside

27/08/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE – DEAD ANIMAL CARCASS ON BANFF BEACH 🚨

Aberdeenshire Council is aware of a dead animal carcass located on Banff Beach between the harbour and the front car park.

For your safety, please:

🐾 Do not approach or touch the carcass
👧 Keep children away from the area
🐕 Keep dogs on a lead and away from the carcass
⚠️ Avoid any direct contact with the animal

The matter has been reported and the owner has been contacted. The situation is currently being assessed.

If you have any concerns or require further information, please contact Protective Services:

📞 01467 537222
📧 [email protected]

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding while this matter is dealt with.

21/08/2026

⚠️ WINTER FUEL PAYMENT SCAMS

🚨 Be aware of Winter Fuel Payment scams 🚨
Reports of fake Winter Fuel Payment messages circulating. These messages may ask you to click a link, confirm your details, or act urgently.

Remember: Most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not ask for your bank details by text message.

✅ Don't click links in unexpected messages
✅ Never share personal or financial information
✅ Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 to help stop scams spreading

Not sure if a message is genuine? Check it safely using Ask Silver.
🔗 www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ask-silver

19/08/2026

⚠️ WINTER FUEL PAYMENT SCAMS

Criminals often target people who may be less confident dealing with unexpected texts, emails, or phone calls. Taking a few minutes to chat with a friend, family member, or a neighbour could help them spot the warning signs before they click on a scam link or share personal information. Remember:

✅ Most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically
✅ You usually do not need to apply
✅ The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will never ask for bank details by text message

Visit GOV.UK for trusted information: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

17/08/2026

⚠️ WINTER FUEL PAYMENT SCAMS

Winter Fuel Payment scams often start earlier than people think
Last year, criminals targeted UK adults between August and October, and this year is likely to be no different.

Remember, most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically.
You should not need to apply, and you will never be asked to provide personal or banking details by text message or email.
Received a message you're unsure about?

Check it using the Ask Silver Scam Checker or visit GOV.UK for trusted information.

🔗 www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ask-silver

07/08/2026

Good afternoon,
The latest Scams Bulletin, no. 140, from Aberdeenshire Council’s Trading Standards department is now available via the link below. Many thanks,
Bob McKinney
Enforcement Officer

05/08/2026

Aberdeenshire Trading Standards were out yesterday in the Garioch area conducting a Test Purchase Operation. We were pleased to find that none of the shops we approached were inclined to sell our 17 year old Test Purchase Volunteer any age restricted product.

29/07/2026

Aberdeenshire Trading Standards visited the Bank of Scotland in Inverurie this morning where we provided customers with scams advice and booklets. We also had 3 sign-ups to our scams bulletin. Our thanks go to the Bank for undertaking partnership working with us.

29/07/2026

Aberdeenshire Trading Standards were out in the Bank of Scotland in Banchory yesterday where we were able to provide a number of customers with scams advice and booklets. Our thanks go to the Bank for allowing us to undertake some partnership working with them.