Residents urged to be on their guard following callous scam

A Perthshire police chief is asking residents to be on their guard against fraudsters following a callous theft of a significant amount of money from an elderly woman.

Locality inspector Gordon Thomson, based at Blairgowrie police station, is advising people to make sure older family members are made aware of such scams.

He hit out after fraudsters contacted a 70-year-old Blairgowrie woman by making an unsolicited phone call to her pretending they were from a reputable TV media provider.

The woman was then persuaded to provide her bank details and the gang stole a significant sum of cash from her bank account.

Mr Thomson said it’s believed similar efforts have been made to carry out such acts in the Blairgowrie area.

“Fraudsters are extremely convincing in their approach, taking steps to engage with the victim and win their trust,” he said.

“We urge people to be aware of calls and contact of this nature, and in particular, to ensure their older or vulnerable family friends and neighbours are also aware of this type of scam and to be on their guard.”

He added: “Always be alert if you are contacted on the telephone by anyone claiming to be from your bank, or any other company such as an electricity supplier, or other well-known organisation or business.

“Don’t disclose any information if the call involves transferring money, or if anyone asks you to provide or confirm your bank details. Don’t provide your details over the phone or the computer.”

Anyone with information on the scam should phone police on 101.