Cops issue new scam warning
We are warning about a new scam of which we have recently received several reports across the South Lanarkshire area.
This scam sees the fraudster contacting the victim via an online messenger service such as Whatsapp.
The fraudster claims to be a friend or a relative of the person receiving the message, often identifying themselves by name or using language which may appear to be familiar. The fraudster goes on to explain that they are in some kind of financial bind, such as having been arrested for an outstanding fine, or urgently requiring funds to pay for transportation. They request that money be transferred to a bank account which they provide details of.
In a similar fashion to the fraudulent ‘delivery company’ text messages I have spoken about before, this scam preys upon your sense of urgency and takes advantage of the fact that many people will do their utmost to help a friend or relative in need without question.
Instead, take a moment to stop and think. Make contact with your friend or relative via a trusted number. Don’t allow yourself to fall victim to fraud via your own good nature.
On October 16 police were called to an address in the Laighstonehall area of Hamilton where a female resident had disturbed a male suspect who had allegedly been seen attempting to open her car door.
On being disturbed the male allegedly banged aggressively on the windows of the house, placing the householder in a state of fear and alarm. Police attended and traced a 45-year-old male who was arrested and charged with alleged offences including an offence under Section 57 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
On October 17 police were within a retail premises in the Hamilton area when they observed a female suspect who was attempting to purchase alcohol. It is an offence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 for vendors to sell alcohol to a drunk person and so the shop staff refused the sale.
The female allegedly became abusive towards shop staff and so police intervened. The woman allegedly became abusive towards police and lashed out, attempting to kick the officers. A 54-yearold female was arrested and charged with alleged offences including police assault.
In the early hours of October 20 a male suspect attended at a retail premises in the Blantyre area where he allegedly stole a three-figure sum of goods. Security staff attempted to stop the male from leaving the store, however the male allegedly brandished a knife with a six inch blade at and made off in possession of the items. Enquiries were conducted and the male was quickly identified and traced.
Officers obtained a warrant to search the male’s address where they allegedly recovered the stolen items. A 35-yearold male was charged with alleged offences including theft by shoplifting and possession of a bladed weapon.
If you have any relevant information or matters you feel should be reported to the police, you can do so by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.