Fraudsters steal £40k in scam

Couple are convinced to transfer cash

A West Lothian couple were conned out of £40,000 in a mobile banking scam.

Police are investigating after fraudsters called a 26- yearold woman from Armadale, convincing her they were from her bank and persuading her and her husband to transfer the money into bogus accounts.

Chief Inspector Arron Clinkscales said: “These f raudsters are extremely convincing and use sophisticated apps which make the call appear to be from a bank or even police, mimicking their phone numbers.

“They ask that you transfer money or remove it from your account, however, no bank or police officer would ever make such a phone call or request that anyone do this.

“If you receive such a call, take details and hang up before calling the bank from another phone, using a number obtained from the phone book or other official source such as letters or statements you already hold.

“Staff at the bank will be able to provide you with advice and confirm that your accounts are secure.”

Police say they are working hard to identify the scammers who are preying on members of the communities.

CI Clinkscales said: “I would urge everyone to make sure that all friends, relatives and neighbours are aware of our advice and that they do not feel scared or intimidated in the event they receive such a call or email.

“Simple measures can be taken, like email filters and the Telephone Preference Service, of which more information can be found in the Personal Safety section of Police Scotland’s website, giving advice should you think you have been the victim of this type of fraud.

“Anyone with information that can assist officers with their inquiries into phone fraud is asked to contact police via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”