Scam alert as OAPs fall victim

Tayside Police Division is advising local residents to be aware of telephone banking scams that are currently doing the rounds after two elderly Perth and Kinross residents fell victim to cold callers.

A spokesperson for the force reported that significant sums of money had been lost on both occasions.

However, good interventions by both victims’banks prevented further losses from occurring.

Constable Steven McKay from Police Scotland’s partnerships, interventions and preventions department said:“On both occasions the victims have been cold called by someone claiming to be from their bank, been convinced to withdraw money and send this in the post‘to a secure account’.

“Members of the public should be aware that no bank will ask you to take part in fraud investigations in this manner.

“If the bank suspect you are being scammed, they will ask you questions as to why you are withdrawing money. They are doing this to protect you and your money. Please speak to them if in doubt.

“If you have an elderly or vulnerable family member, who you believe may be at risk of this crime type, please talk to them and advise them to either call the bank themselves to confirm they have been contacted or seek advice from their local branch.

“Do not trust a number displayed on caller ID as this can be faked to appear to be a genuine call from your bank.

“If you wish to receive further information contact us on taysidepreventionsandinterventions@ scotland.police.uk.”