Bank staff stop duo being duped

on a link supplied via text and was asked to provide both personal and bank details prior to a parcel being delivered.

Inspector Tracy Harkins, of Paisley’s community policing team, said people of all ages are currently being targeted, with a surge in these types of crimes taking place throughout the pandemic.

She said: “Unfortunately, we have seen a steady rise in the number of telephone and online frauds occurring within Renfrewshire.

“The thieves use very complex scams to persuade victims that they are genuine employees of well- known companies and anyone can fall victim to this type of crime.

“Over the past few weeks victims have ranged in age from 22 to 87 years.

“This goes to show that it’s not just the elderly and vulnerable within the community that can become a victim of such crime.

“The scam methods change almost daily, but, in a nutshell, if any company asks for your pin number or online banking password then they are fraudsters.

“No legitimate bank or company will ask you to divulge those details. I would ask anyone receiving such a call or email to hang up or press the delete button.

“I’d also like to ask local residents to pass on this information to any elderly neighbours or family members.”