Bank scam victim loses thousands of pounds to fraudsters
Man transferred cash after ‘bank worker’phoned him
Police have issued a phone scam warning a f ter a Pai s l ey man was duped into transferring thousands of pounds to a criminal gang.
The 23- year- old victim moved the four-figure sum of cash when a conman posing as a Bank of Scotland worker convinced him his account had been hacked.
The sophisticated crook even used a sneaky phone app to make it appear the number he was calling from was legitimate.
Officers probing the incident said the victim moved the money to an unknown account hoping to keep it safe, but instead lost it to the scammer.
An investigation is now underway to establish who pilfered the money as cops warned Renfrewshire residents to take steps to protect themselves.
Inspector Tracy Harkins, from Paisley’s community policing team, said: “A criminal posing as a bank employee convinced the victim his account had been compromised and that he needed to move his money to another account to keep it safe.
“We are investigating the incident and would urge others take steps to protect themselves against similar scams.”
She added: “It is important to remember that under no circumstances will a bank or financial institution ever ask you to transfer money to another account.
“In this case, the criminal used an app designed to clone a number associated with the bank, making it appear legitimate.
“If you receive a call in relation to fraudulent activity in your account, the best thing to do is hang up and call or ideally visit, your local branch.
“Scams of this nature have increased in the last few months, particularly during lockdown.
“It is therefore very important people heed this advice and pass it on to any elderly or vulnerable people who may benefit from it.
“I would also urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim to such a crime to come forward.
“There should be no embarrassment as anyone can become a victim.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A bank will never ask you to transfer money