SHOPPERS at Asda stores in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay have been warned not to fall for a text scam.

Texts sent to mobiles include phrases such as 'your Asda order is out for delivery' and link to websites supposedly allowing recipients to 'track your order and view your delivery note'.

The website URL is not an Asda address, however, with scammers using these links in a bid to obtain personal finance details.

Asda has three superstores in West Fife with two in Dunfermline - at St Leonard's and Halbeath - and another in Dalgety Bay.

An Asda spokesman said: “We are aware of a string of scams that are being sent to customers impersonating various different brands, including Asda, through SMS messages.

"We will never ask for any personal information through text messages, and any SMS communication from us does not come from a mobile number.

“We would like to remind our customers that they should never click on suspicious links, but if anyone is unsure about any communication claiming to be from Asda, please contact our customer services team.”

This is the latest delivery scam in recent weeks to occur in the area and across Scotland, with a number of consumers reporting text messages regarding deliveries, some of these containing links to download an app.

These ‘FluBot Android scams’ by scammers use false claims of deliveries by carriers such as DHL to install malware on the mobile devices of the consumers being targeted.

Scots can report scams to Scotland’s national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, which is operated by Advice Direct Scotland and includes the ‘ScamWatch’ reporting tool. This allows information to be shared with Trading Standards teams and authorities.

Anyone who thinks they have been scammed should contact Advice Direct Scotland for free, impartial and practical advice.

Marjorie Gibson, head of operations with Advice Direct Scotland, which runs consumeradvice.scot, said: "Scammers have adapted to the coronavirus pandemic to prey on Scots, and with the rise in online supermarket shopping this latest scam is particularly concerning.

“It’s increasingly difficult to spot scams and there is absolutely no shame in being caught out, as the scammers’ tactics are very convincing.

“Supermarkets like Asda will never ask for personal information through text messages, and consumers should remember to never click on suspicious links.

“Anyone who receives a text like this should contact the supermarket for verification, and scams can be reported to us at scamwatch.scot so that we can compile data.

“If you think you are the victim of a scam, get in touch with our team for free advice.”