Warning to stay vigilant against scammers

Police are urging people to stay vigilant against scammers pretending to be police officers following recent calls made to residents in the Lanarkshire area.

Victims are being told that a fraud case is being investigated or that someone has their bank card and ID.

On some occasions, they are being provided with a false crime number.

The scammer aims to convince victims to part with their money, personal information or belongings.

Writing on the Police Scotland Lanarkshire Division Facebook page, officers state:“We remind you to be cautious and stop, think and tell. You should never share personal or financial information with cold callers.

“Police will never ask you to transfer money to another account, hand over cash or bank cards to a courier or pay a fine or fee over the phone.

“If someone calls you and you are unsure if they are a genuine police officer, ask for their name and shoulder number.

“Hang up the phone and wait at least five minutes in case the scammer is still on the line, and then contact 101.”

The police plea comes just days after officers offered the Lanarkshire public advice following reports of a sextortion scam on social media.

In this instance, a Police Scotland spokesperson said:“The scam is typically, but not exclusively, aimed at men between the ages of 18 and 44 who are targeted by Organised Crime Groups – usually based overseas – who seek to extort money from them by luring them to perform explicit sexual acts over social media.

“If they do so, the victim is threatened that if they do not pay a certain sum of money the footage will be posted online or sent to friends and family.

“The simplest way to avoid these scams is to refrain from adding people you don’t know, regardless of whether you have mutual friends, as this is a tactic used to gain your trust and confidence.

“We are dedicated to supporting victims.”

For more information on different scams, and what to do if you face such an issue, visit https://www.scotland.police. uk/advice-and-information/ scams-and-frauds/