PEOPLE are being warned about potential scams ahead of the emergency alarm test on their phones.

Millions of devices across the UK will sound an alarm at 3pm on Sunday, April 23 as part of a nationwide test of a new system designed to inform people of dangerous or life-threatening situations.

And ahead of the test, Scots are being advised that scammers may be trying to exploit it.

Advice Direct Scotland has warned people to be wary of messages from anyone claiming to be connected to the alerts system asking for remote access to mobile phones or other devices.

The charity, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, also stressed that any requests for personal or financial information through text message, email or by telephone claiming to be related to the test would be bogus.

Lyndsay McFee, team lead at consumeradvice.scot, said: “For the activity on Sunday, April 23, you will receive a notification saying that there is a test taking place which will pop up on your screen and can be swiped away like any other alert.

“The system does not track your location, require your phone number to be entered, or collect any of your personal data.

“Scammers often reach out through text message, email or by phone call to request what may seem like insignificant information.

"However, these tactics can be used to gather our data to use against us later.

“If you receive a request from someone claiming to be contacting you in relation to the alerts, you can report this using the Quick Reporting Tool at scamwatch.scot, or alternatively by contacting the team at consumeradvice.scot.”

For more information on the test alert, please visit gov.uk/alerts.