Woman victim of ‘vishing’ scam

Levenmouth police have issued a warning after a 68-year-old woman lost £400 through a “vishing” scam.

The woman fell victim to the fraud on Saturday after receiving a phone call from a man claiming to be from a computing company.

He told her the security of her computer and tablet device had been compromised and that payment was needed to stop it.

She provided the caller with her card details but later discovered more than £400 had been taken from her account.

Sergeant Craig Fyall of Levenmouth police station said: “Perpetrators of ‘vishing’ scams claim to be from legitimate organisations to obtain personal or bank details.

“They can be very convincing and try to take advantage of people’s fears and vulnerabilities.

“My message is to always be wary of callers requesting personal information.”

He added: “If this happens to you, advise the caller that you will contact the company yourself to discuss this and hang up. Either go into a branch or find their phone number and call them back on a different phone to verify this.

“These people often target the elderly and vulnerable so please advise any friends, neighbours or relatives to be wary of these types of calls.”

Anyone with information about “vishing” can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.