Police have warned people living in Moray to be on their guard after an “elaborate” new bank scam duped several victims out of cash.
Numerous people in the area have already been targeted by the underhand scheme, which begins with a call from a person claiming to be from a fraud investigation team.
The caller claims to be investigating the suspicious behaviour of a staff member at their victims bank, and then asks them to get a taxi there so they can transfer money to another account, whose details they provide.
The customer is asked not to say anything to staff upon their arrival at the bank, so they do not alert the person who is “under investigation”.
Last night, Inspector Grant McCutcheon, of the Elgin Community Policing Team, said it was a devious ploy that takes advantage of people’s good nature.
“These fraudsters count on the fact that we are generally trusting people and take advantage of our good nature to perpetrate their crimes,” he said.
“Sadly, they have duped people out of their hard-earned money and once that money is gone, it’s gone.
“My advice to Moray folk is to be more sceptical when they receive unexpected phone calls from people they don’t know, asking for sensitive information or money.
“Banks are big organisations and are sophisticated enough to investigate wayward staff without having to recruit you or have you transfer money into accounts you know nothing about.”
He offered some simple advice to stay safe.
“In simple terms, if you are asked to provide personal or financial details over the phone – no matter how persuasive or demanding the caller is – don’t do it,” he said.
“If you receive such a phone call, please call us before taking any steps.”
Anyone with information about the scheme should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.