Police in the north east are urging the public to remain vigilant following two incidents of attempted fraud this week
Two members of the public in the Garioch area have been telephoned by a person alleging to be from the Scottish Government advising that they have been selected to receive money however to receive the money they were requested to pay a fee and provide bank details.
Both people became suspicious when asked to pay the fee and promptly ended the calls.
Local officers are urging the public to be wary of this approach, as well as similar scams.
Crime Reduction Officer, PC Kevin Marron said
We would advise members of the public to be extremely cautious if you are telephoned with details of financial reward or investment, particularly if the call has been unsolicited and is offering large sums of money for a transaction fee or charge.
Reputable organisations will not ask you for your banking details or password by phone. If in doubt do not share any personal details or financial details. Ask the person where they got your details from and the reason for the call. Ask them for contact details and make a note of what they are asking for.
Be suspicious as to who is calling you, make every effort to ensure that the person at the end of the line is legitimate and represent who they claim to be. Do not be afraid to take details and also there is nothing wrong with declining their requests and ending the call. You can check they are who they say they are through the contact information that you have.
If you would like any more information on safeguarding yourself against fraudsters then please visit the Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk.
