Police warning over bank scam
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POLICE Scotland is urging the public to be vigilant against fraud, following a recent scam against bank account holders in Moray.
A number of residents have received phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be from the fraud investigation team of their bank.
They tell the victim that they are investigating suspicious activity on their account and that they suspect bank staff may be involved.
The fraudsters ask the victim to transfer a sum of money to another account - the details of which they provide - and arrange a taxi to take the victim to their bank. They advise the victim not to say anything to bank staff during the transfer, as it may alert those staff that are under investigation.
Inspector Grant McCutcheon, of the Elgin Community Policing Team, said: "These fraudsters count on the fact that we are generally trusting people and take advantage of our good nature to perpetrate their crimes. 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.
"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. If you receive such a phone call, please call us before taking any steps."
Anyone with any concerns or information about fraudulent activity can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.
