Enquiries are ongoing following a scam in East Dunbartonshire

Police officers in East Dunbartonshire are warning the public to be on their guard following recent bank frauds or attempted fraud.

Several older residents in East Dunbartonshire have been defrauded of four and five figure sums of money. In these cases, the scammers typically contact their victims by phone at home and claim to be police officers.

The scammers say they have concerns regarding the fraudulent use of the victim’s bank card and they convince the member of the public they are genuine. 

Victims are then asked to attend a bank or post office and withdraw money to assist with a police investigation. This money is later collected at the victim’s home by a person impersonating a plain-clothed police officer.

Police will never attend your home to collect cash or bank cards.

Police officers or the bank will never phone you and ask you to transfer or withdraw money. If you are unsure then verify it via a trusted method, such as calling the number on the back of your bank card. Do not call the phone numbers provided to you by a scammer.

Local Area Commander for East Dunbartonshire, Chief Inspector Aidan Higgins said: “I would like to reassure everyone that extensive enquiries are being carried out by a team of specialist officers to identify those responsible.

“I would like everyone to be aware of this scam and to be vigilant. I would ask anyone with elderly relatives or neighbours to make them aware of this fraud as soon as possible.

“Police officers or your bank will never ask you to transfer money to another account or withdraw money from your account. They will never ask you to disclose personal financial information.

“Police or bank officials will never telephone you and ask you to withdraw funds to be collected later from you at home.

“These callous criminals’ prey on vulnerable people in our communities. They go to great lengths to appear legitimate, including having your personal details. The victims are persuaded to believe that they are assisting with a police investigation and are extremely upset and distressed when they find out they have been the victim of fraud.

“If you receive a call of this nature, do not engage with the caller and hang up. It is a scam. If you’re unsure, take a few moments to think. If you can, note the callers telephone number, hang up and contact police on 101.”

The simple message is - This is a Scam - Hang up the Phone – Do Not Engage. Anyone with concerns can call police on 101.