Cumbernauld woman lost thousands to scammer impersonating police officer
People in North Lanarkshire are being warned to remain vigilant
People in North Lanarkshire are being warned to be vigilant after a local woman lost a four-figure sum to scammers.
The victim, from Cumbernauld, received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer who said that her bank cards had been compromised and used in fraud.
She received another call from a man who said he was from the bank, who told her to attend different local stores and withdraw Euros to help the investigation before handing it over.
The woman lost around €7500 in this incident.
The police are advising people to phone their bank before giving up any details to someone on the phone - saying that if the caller is genuine they “will understand your hesitation”.
The suspect is described as being a white man in his late 30s, around 5ft 11in in height with short black hair.
He was described as wearing a white shirt, red tie and black trousers. He also had a mask covering his face.
Detective Sergeant Karen Murray said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we are asking members of the public to be aware of scams and take precautions.
“These scams are not always easy to spot and anyone can be fooled. These criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police.
“Often, they have details about a person they shouldn’t convincing people they are legitimate.
“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 or official paperwork. If the caller is genuine, they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.”
Anyone who has any information about this incident is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2541 of 8 February, 2024.
Anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim to this scam is asked to contact 101.