[Scale] can make things larger or smaller, but cannot be used to create text outlines. This is what [inset], [outset], [dynamic offset] and [linked offset] are for.
[Inset] creates an outline that is smaller than the original.
[Outset] creates an outline that is larger than the original.
Both [Inset] and [Outset] produce a path by converting the source object to a path first. There are no handles. You would have to clone the source object first if you want to keep it.
[Dynamic offset] is more intelligent. It creates a handle you can drag to make the offset larger or smaller. However this operation also converts the source object to a path first.
[Linked offset] does the same as [Dynamic offset] and provides a handle. It also creates a copy linked to the original shape.
Long story short: just use [Linked offset].