Clubs hit in bank scam
Accies in battle for survival after ‘£750k scam’ as Hearts reveal they were targeted
Hamilton Academicals face fight for survival after cash – believed to be about £750,000 – is stolen by conmen and Hearts reveal they’ve also been targeted
HAMILTON Academical are facing a fight for survival after falling victim to a sophisticated fraud.
The Premiership side revealed police have been called in after a “substantial sum” – reported to be £750,000 – was stolen from the club’s bank account.
Heart of Midlothian have also revealed they were targeted in an internet fraud earlier this year.
It is understood the clubs were preyed on in a vishing scam – where fraudsters call and usually pretend to be from the victim’s bank.
They trick their targets into revealing sensitive information, such as bank account details or passwords, or persuade them to make an urgent transfer of funds.
Hamilton chairman Les Gray said it was the “most difficult situation” the club have faced.
And he pledged that directors would step in with a cash injection to keep the club afloat.
A source said: “It’s a critical situation.
“The account has all but been wiped out and they are five feet under with one foot still to go. The club are now on life support.”
It’s understood Accies players were not told of the financial situation yesterday as they prepared for today’s Lanarkshire derby against Motherwell.
Gray did not disclose how much was missing.
But he said: “Hamilton Academical have been the target of an elaborate fraud resulting in the loss of a substantial sum.
“Police Scotland and our bank are working closely with the club conducting a criminal investigation to pursue those individuals responsible.
“It is imperative that we remain calm and work together through one of the most difficult situations we have faced as a club.
“The directors intend to inject funds to meet the club’s ongoing obligations until the investigation is complete.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed a complaint of fraud had been received. She added: “Officers are carrying out inquiries”
Hearts revealed they had been targeted by the scammers in a statement on their website.
It read: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm it was the subject of an internet fraud earlier this year.
“The matter is now part of an active police investigation and therefore no further comment will be made.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster described Hamilton’s plight as a “serious and unfortunate situation”.
He said: “Hamilton Academical have informed us that they have been the victim of a sophisticated financial fraud and that Police Scotland are carrying out an investigation.
“Everyone in the game will hope it can be resolved quickly. We will be monitoring the situation and working with Hamilton Academical in the days and weeks ahead.”
The SPFL warned clubs to beware of online fraud in August after Annan failed to receive an £18,000 payment from the league.
Funds were instead paid into a fraudulent account. Police launched an investigation after the money was retrieved.