Mid Argyll police issue fraud warning

A recent jump in fraud-related crime has prompted police in Mid Argyll to warn people to be on their guard.

Police advice is to be careful with online activity and in responding to unsolicited messages by email and phone.

Common themes include:

■ False listings for boat engines and farming equipment listed on eBay or Facebook, where money is exchanged and no product received.

Police advice: Use recognised registered retailers. Do not exchange money until you are in possession of the item or face to face. See it before you buy it.

■ Emails and text messages purporting to be from your bank or internet company asking for personal details or requesting you to click on a hyperlink.

Police advice: Do not respond to the message or click any links. Go through the company’s own website and only phone using the numbers detailed there. Check whether they have sent the correspondence. Also consider upgrading the security software on any devices you own.

■ Cold calling by companies at your door or via telephone.

Police advice: Responsible companies avoid doing this. Never buy from a cold caller or pass them your personal or financial details.

■ Financial service providers, advertising on social media, offering high value returns for investments in shares or cryptocurrency.

Police advice: Check the company with the Financial Conduct Authority. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Reputable firms don’t cold call, pressure sell, use mobile numbers or offer heightened investment returns beyond the ability of trusted businesses.

Sergeant Matthew Shaw of Lochgilphead police said: ‘I would urge people to be cautious and not to trust any unexpected correspondence.

‘Never pass your financial or personal details to anyone unless you’re 100 per cent sure who they are and why they require that information.

‘If you feel the need to reply to check the authenticity of a contact, please, only use the company’s verified official website and the communication methods detailed upon it.

‘Particularly where financial fraud is concerned, always, ‘stop’, ‘think’ and ‘check’ with a friend, relative or neighbour before taking any action.

‘Any victims of such crimes, or anyone with any concerns can contact their local police station via 101.’