Surge in scam calls reported in Ayrshire
Officers are urging Ayrshire residents to be vigilant after people have lost significant sums of money to cold calling scams
Last updated 25th May 2022
Officers are urging Ayrshire residents to be vigilant after a number of reported incidents of unsolicited phone calls and emails they have received in recent weeks which are scams.
A regular type of incident is a phone call or email pretending to be from your bank or another financial body, advising that your account has been compromised and requesting a transfer of funds into an account.
In a post on Facebook, Ayrshire Police Division warned: "This is a scam. No bank will ever make an unsolicited call to ask you to withdraw cash from your account and send on.
"Neither will they ask for personal financial information such as a PIN number."
Most recently, officers have received reports of WhatsApp messages being sent from fraudsters. They say they are a friend or relative with a new phone number and ask for money to be sent to them.
People have lost "significant sums of money"
Superintendent Gillian Grant of Ayrshire Police Division said: “Sadly we are aware of cases where people lose significant sums of money to cold calling scams across Ayrshire and we would urge people to take steps to ensure both themselves and family members are protected.
“The people who perpetrate this kind of scam go to great lengths to appear genuine but it is important not to trust any unexpected correspondence.
“Never pass your personal or financial details to anyone unless you’re clear who they are and why they require that information.
“If you feel the need to reply to correspondence to check the authenticity of a contact, please, only use the company’s verified official website and the communication methods detailed upon it.
“Especially where money is being requested, be it physically withdrawing it from the bank or the electronic transferring of it, always, stop, think and check with a friend, relative or neighbour before taking any action.
“If the caller is genuine they will understand these precautions and not put pressure on you to act immediately.
“Any victims of such crimes, or anyone with any concerns can contact Police Scotland via 101."