Three men charged in scam probe
Three men have been charged following scams in Stirling and Aberdeen.
Police Scotland charged the trio in connection with a series of incidents in both cities.
Over the past two weeks, officers received a reports of vulnerable individuals being targeted by people claiming to be from the police or representatives of a bank.
Police say the victims there told there was suspicious activity in their account and that a police officer would attend their home to collect their bank card to conduct enquiries or to collect cash withdrawn for safe keeping.
As part of their investigation into the incidents, officers carried out search warrants at properties in Glasgow and Stirling and following this three men were arrested.
Two men, aged 32 and 56, were due to appear at Stirling Sheriff Court this week and a 27-year-old man at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
A 22-year-old woman was arrested and released pending further enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Scott Mckay, of Aberdeen CID, said: “I’d like to thank those who have assisted with our investigation so far. We continue to carry out enquiries and I’d encourage anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a fraud to contact police immediately on 101.”
Police have again urged people to be vigilant.
Detective Inspector Davy Macgregor, of Stirling CID, said: “I would remind people that police officers and representatives from banks will never cold call you and ask you to transfer money to another bank account or to withdraw money to be collected for safe keeping.
“Whilst individuals can appear genuine, if you receive a request like this, please terminate any calls and contact the police immediately on 101.
“I’d also urge those with vulnerable family members or friends to highlight these types of crimes. Working together with communities and other partners, we will disrupt those involved.”
Anyone with information that may assist ongoing enquiries can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.