Warning following reports of financial scams in Ayrshire

Ayrshire residents are being urged to be vigilant following reports of financial scams in the area.

Over the last few months officers have received several reports of scams which have seen residents lose thousands of pounds.

The scams see people receive a call from a bank or financial institution alerting them to account activity/fraudulent activity on their account. In the phone call, personal questions are asked for security reasons. In some cases, the victim is instructed to visit their bank to withdraw money and pass it to a third person. They are told this is part of an inquiry into bank staff.

Your bank will never ask you to transfer or withdraw money or set up a secure account for you.

Inspector Iain Farmer said: “We are asking members of the public to be aware of scams and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

“It’s not always easy to spot a scam, anyone can be fooled - these criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations, and the police. Don’t trust the caller ID display on your phone as a phone number is not proof of ID.

“I would encourage anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from their bank or financial institution to make sure the person calling is genuine.

“If in doubt hang up and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card of official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.

“I would also encourage people to reach out to family members, friends, neighbours and let them know about these opportunistic scams within the community.”

Anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim to this scam or who has any information which may assist officers is asked to contact 101.

Scam advice is available on our website - https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/